Automated Water Analyser Computer Supported System AWACSS Developing

Automated Water Analyser Computer Supported System (AWACSS) Developing a cost-effective, on-line, water-monitoring biosensor that will measure small organic pollutants in short-time with remote control and surveillance. Project Description Methodology: Immunoassay coupled with Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Detection Partners: Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen: Project Management and Surface Immunoassay Development polymer fibres Central Research Laboratory: Instrument Hardward Design Institute of Chem. & Environ. Chem. IIQAB: Instrument Design and Field Tests-Spain DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser: Instrument Design and Field Tests-Germany Environmental Institute, Kos: Instrument Design and Field Tests-Slovakia PD laser filter absorbing coating bevelled polished end-face FIA System King's College London: Immunochemsitry Siemens: Electronics, Internet Communication, and Market Analysis. PC waveguide inject Optoelectronics Research Centre: Integrated Optical Chips Lock In samples waste Binding-Inhibition Immunoassay Funding: This Project is funded under the 5 th Framework Programme: Energy, Environment, and Sustainable Development. (1. 7 million € contribution from the European Community. ) Duration: 3 -Year, Research and Technological Development Project (Starting March, 2002. ) Contract #: EVK 1 -CT-2000 -00045 Website: http: //barolo. ipc. uni-tuebingen. de/awacss Innovations Motivation Expanded multi-analyte analysis capability allowing for up to 32 simultaneous analyte measurements. Immunochemical reagents are being developed for a host of small organic water pollutants, such as, Atrazine, Irgarol, Propanil, Caffeine, and Ethylhexlphthalate. Monitoring of Industrial Plants Contamination Detection Array Monitors 32 Separate Signals Monitoring of Side Streams Origin of Pollution Monitoring of Estuaries Origin of Pollution Transducer Illuminates 32 Analyte Windows Monitoring of Coasts Direction of Pollution European Directives and regional regulations have begun to demand on-line monitoring of water catchment areas for an ever-expanding list of pollutants. Little technology currently exists that can monitor water sources at frequent intervals and at a reasonable cost. The AWACSS project intends to help meet the needs of both todays and tomorrows water managers. Instruments will be developed that will measure a variety of small organic pollutants. The instruments will be networked so that sources will be monitored with trend analysis and early-warning capabilities. Results and Progress to Date A prototype Integrated-Optical Chip waveguide to conduct light to 32 discrete analysis windows has been largely realised. Laser Source Fluidics Deliver Immunoreagents Specific to 32 Different Analytes Novel design approaches to the optical detection and fluidics including miniturized integrated optics and microfluidics. Limits of detection will match EU prescribed requirements. Reagent volumes will be reduced. Microfluidic Channel Intelligent remote surveillance and control that will allow for unattended continuous monitoring. Instruments will be rugged and easy to handle by untrained personnel. Communication Measurement Stations The microfluidic flowcell has been designed and preliminarily tested with flow tests and mathematical flow simulations. The instrument hardware components have been selected and there connections and housings designed. Local Intelligence Polyclonal antibodies directed against a variety of small organic water contaminants have been isolated and their corresponding analyte derivatives synthesised. A surface spotting procedure has also been developed. Monitoring The water monitoring groups have catalogued contaminant levels at various European water sites and addressed water matrix effects relating to the AWACSS immunoassay chemistry. The first phase of a market survey has been conducted addressing relevant markets. A multi-media tutorial has been constructed that allows quick, low-cost training of the instrument's fundamental chemistry, software, and operation. Inlet port Outlet port Data Analysis via the Internet Analysed Data Alerts Status Information Call for Measurements Manual Device Control Station Global Intelligence Monitoring Data Analysis Data Recording