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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
Initial Projected Completion Date
30/09/2018