Bio-Sensor for Determining the Concentration of Chlorite
in Environmental Samples and Related Applications
Project Leader: John D. Coates
Unit: College of Science, Dept. of Microbiology
Brief Description:
The invention is a bio-sensor which measures the concentration of chlorite in aqueous samples at neutral pH and standard temperature and pressure. The bio-sensor is based upon the unique metabolism of a novel organism isolated by SIUC researchers. The organism is used to coat a transducer which directly measures one of the metabolites produced by the organism from chlorite. The amount of metabolite produced is directly proportional to the concentration of chlorite present in the sample.
Patent Status:
Patent application pending.
Potential Commercial Uses:
To date, analysis of chlorite has required sample collection and analysis by ion chromatography, which is costly, time-consuming, and requires trained laboratory personnel. The application of this bio-sensor allows a quick evaluation of chlorite concentrations both in situ and in collected samples. This may be used by industry to monitor their effluent streams as well as by analytical laboratories interested in chlorite concentrations. In water, chlorite is an endproduct of the chemical decomposition of chloroxo compounds such as chlorine dioxide and hypochlorite. Chloroxo compounds have a wide array of industrial applications including use as bleaching agents by the paper and pulp industry, as disinfectants and defoliants by the agricultural industry, and as components of explosives and rocket propellants by the aerospace and defense industries. Widespread use, frequent improper disposal, recent arms reduction treaties, and aging missile inventories of the U.S. military have led to increased interest in the chloroxo compound contaminants and wastes. In the U.S., the EPA has set a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for chlorite at 1000 mg/l with an MCL goal of 80 mg/l.
Contact:
Jeff Myers, Senior Technology Transfer Specialist, (618) 453-4543, fax: (618) 453-8038