SBIR/STTR
Portable Sensor for Rapid In Situ Measurement of Trace Toxic Metals in Water, Phase II
Project Introduction
Development of a sensor to detect select trace toxic heavy metals (Ag, Cd, Mn, Ni, and Zn) in water is proposed. Using an automatic side-stream sampling technique, this compact, electrochemical sensor will use small volumes of water and detect metals in the low parts-per-billion range. The novel coupling of a high-performance novel electrode material, microarray electrode geometry, and a highly sensitive sensing algorithm allows for a sensor with low detection limits and excellent specificity. Additionally, the sensor will show long-term repeatability and reliability, while requiring minimal maintenance or user calibration time. The sensor and its components have been engineered to function in a microgravity environment and for easy integration with the Water Recovery System. Giner will partner Johnson Space Center to ensure the ability of the sensor to detect trace metals in a range of reclaimed water samples and determine the appropriate concentrations. This sensor will detect trace heavy metals in water in near real-time, allowing for timely response and resolution to water contamination problems.
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Anticipated Benefits
Potential NASA Commercial Applications: International Space Station Water Recovery System The Water Recovery System (WRS) aboard the International Space Station reclaims water from several sources, including humidity condensate, urine, and hygiene water. Extensive filtration and processing allow its reuse as drinking and wash water. However, incomplete water processing, resin failure, or leaching from metal coatings could lead to unsafe levels of metals in the crew drinking water. Trace toxic metals such as Cd, Ni, Ag, Zn, and Mn have been found in water samples from various expeditions at potentially dangerous concentrations and pose a significant threat to the crew. While Cd, Mn, Ni, and Zn are contaminants leached from the zinc coatings and stainless steel in the spacecraft water distribution lines and the humidity heat exchangers, Ag is added as a residual biocide to processed water. NASA has expressed a need to include measurement technologies to assure that the trace heavy toxic metal content of the water falls within acceptable limits and that the WRS and storage system are functioning properly for long-duration missions. A real-time sensor would allow the crew to quickly diagnose and resolve the metal contamination problems, thus protecting the health of the crew.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
(JPL)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Pasadena, California |
| Giner Electrochemical Systems, LLC | Supporting Organization | Industry | Newton, Massachusetts |
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
Responsible Program:
- SBIR/STTR
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Project Manager:
Principal Investigator:
Project Duration
Start: Apr 2012
End: Jan 2015
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 4 |
| Current: | 4 |
| Estimated End: | 5 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX07 Exploration Destination Systems
- TX07.1 In-Situ Resource Utilization
- TX07.1.1 Destination Reconnaissance and Resource Assessment
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