DEVELOPMENT OF ION PRE-CONCENTRATORS FOR THE DETECTION OF TRACE ANALYTES IN WATER
Detection of trace analytes in field testing equipment is a challenge. This is mainly due to low signal to noise ratio of miniaturized field equipment as compared to state-of-the-art lab equipment. This problem can be solved by use of ion concentrators which can increase the concentration of analyte before sensing the same. Proposed technology has been developed by our scientists at IIT Madras in collaboration with Seoul national university, Korea. The technology has been demonstrated in lab conditions. Further work to improve this technology for field applications has been planned as a two year project. Once developed, it will have significant impact on the applicability of field sensors for water quality analysis. For a lab-to-field transition of pre-concentrator technology a budget of approx. INR 50 lakhs is expected. We are looking for a source of funding to achieve this goal.
