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Project Code [2017-W-PhD-8]

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Project title

Optochemical detecton strategies for heavy metals in water

Primary Funding Agency

Irish Research Council

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Environmental Protection Agency

Lead Organisation

Institute of Technology, Carlow

Lead Applicant

Annija Lace

Project Abstract

Conventional monitoring approaches based on sampling and laboratory analysis are incapable of meeting the demand for environmental water quality monitoring because of the manpower requirements and associated high costs. Microfluidic devices have been developed for water quality parameters such as nutrients and pH. Although numerous examples of colorimetric detection of heavy metals have been described in the literature, relatively few of these methods have been successful in real life application. Some of the challenges include limited specificity, interfering substances, sample colour and turbidity. The proposed research will help to improve the water quality monitoring technologies by developing analytical methods for key heavy metal pollutants, which will be integrated with microfluidic analytical systems to allow in situ analysis of these important water quality parameters. The methods developed in this project will enhance the range of techniques available for water quality analysis.

Grant Approved

�48,000.00

Research Hub

Healthy Environment

Research Theme

Safe water

Start Date

01/10/2016

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/09/2018