Developing sensors to detect harmful chemicals in drinking water

SENSORS FOR WATER CONTAMINANT DETECTION AND MONITORING

NIH-funded research Yale University · NIH-10868587

This study is working on new tools to help find harmful chemicals in groundwater, like 1,4-dioxane, so that communities with contaminated drinking water can have safer supplies.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project IDNIH-10868587 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating advanced sensors to detect and monitor hazardous chemicals, specifically 1,4-dioxane and its co-occurring contaminants, in groundwater. By utilizing innovative techniques such as biosensors and chemical sensors, the project aims to provide real-time monitoring of these contaminants through a wireless network. Patients and communities exposed to contaminated drinking water may benefit from improved detection methods that can lead to safer water supplies. The research includes developing portable detection methods and characterizing the sensors for effective monitoring.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living near Superfund sites or areas with known groundwater contamination.

Not a fit: Patients who do not reside in contaminated areas or are not exposed to the specific chemicals being studied may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer drinking water by enabling rapid detection of harmful contaminants.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in developing biosensors for environmental monitoring, indicating potential for this innovative approach.

Where this research is happening

New Haven, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.