SPONSOR:
National Institute for Water Resources, Water Resources Research Institute Program
PROJECT PERIOD:
3/1/2011 - 2/28/2013
ABSTRACT:
Characterizing the physical, chemical and biological properties of potable and recreational waters plays a vital role in assessing and controlling water quality. The objective of this proposal was to develop an advanced surface tensiometer for assessing water quality. In addition to surface tension measurement, this surface tensiometer was integrated with advanced microscopy and spectroscopy techniques for detection of specific contaminants.
The resultant surface tensiometer evaluated water quality based on four measurable parameters: 1) dynamic surface tension; 2) surface dilatational elasticity; 3) microscopy structure of adsorbed contaminant films using atomic force microscopy; and 4) chemical analysis of contaminants using Raman spectroscopy. This advanced surface tensiometer allows determination of specific water contaminants and evaluation of water quality.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR