(510e) Detection of Disinfection By-Products and Oil Spill Pollutants in Water Utilizing Colorimetric Reactions for a Portable, Inexpensive Nanofiber-Based Sensor

Aquatic ecosystems are a critical part of maintaining life on the planet. There are, however, many sources of contamination within the oceans—a large source of which being pollutants from oil spills and disinfection by-products (DBPs). Common classes of such pollutants are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and trihalomethanes (THMs), many of which are suspected of causing cancer and are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Here, a polymer-based sensor is used for the detection of these contaminants at concentrations similar to those in the environment and relevant to regulations. The sensor utilizes a nanofiber mat and a colorimetric reaction chemistry. To produce the nanofibers, electrospinning was employed. To provide a theoretical connection, computer modeling of the system was done with finite element analysis. This on-site and novel sensor provides an alternative to the traditional, expensive analytical equipment (HPLC, GC-MS), and allows for enhanced water monitoring of carcinogenic pollutants.