Research project Paper-based analytical devices for in situ environmental monitoring

The environment is being negatively altered by a number of chemicals resulting from the growing population and industrialization. We need reliable tools to monitor this impact and detect contamination outbreaks for applying corrective actions on-time. Standard methods applied by bulky instrumentation in laboratories involve sampling, stabilization and storage before the analysis, being inappropriate for on-time and in-situ analysis. To address this challenge, we need more efficient low-cost detection methods of sources of contamination to reduce the environmental impact.

Here, we propose to detect chemicals and pollutants in situ in a simple-to-operate and pump-free way, by using paper-based analytical devices (PADs). These devices incorporate colour and electrochemical readout that can easily recorded. This in a cost-effective method, easy to be used by members of the general public on-site without extra equipment, will enable the collection in real time of environmental data, resulting in improvement of the current limited analysis systems.