Inline Analysis of Phosphates in Fluids

Project Summary/Abstract The goal of this project is to develop a sensor for monitoring orthophosphates in wastewater to enable efficient treatment through data-driven implementation of process control strategies. Nutrient pollution from human activities, such as agriculture, sewage, and lawn fertilization, accelerates eutrophication, threatening estuaries, wetlands, and freshwater ponds across the U.S. This results in harmful algal blooms (HABs) that pose a potential risk to human health. The proposed sensor is based on novel molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) that are sensitive and selective to orthophosphates. Combined with infrared absorption spectroscopy, the orthophosphates can be monitored inline in environmental settings, as well as wastewater treatment plants, enabling optimization of wastewater treatment strategies.