The research for this thesis led to the development of two environmental detectors, whose function was to identify predetermined threshold levels of the analyte. The research centred onto two types of analyte; immiscible and dissolved, both occurring in water based locations. The first detector was developed to detect the accumulation of oil within an oil/water interceptor. Pollution from oil spillages is a major contaminate of water systems and the control of this potentially hazardous material has legal obligations. This liquid, which naturally separates from water, accumulates within the interceptor enclosure and can be removed once the quantity of oil reaches the desired level. However, the often unpredictable nature of oil leaks and spillages means that the accumulation of oil within an interceptor is an irregular occurrence. Interceptor detectors based upon electrical techniques already exist. This research specifically developed a detection system that operated without any electrical devices within the interceptor. The research explored several possible avenues, eventually pursuing a technique based upon pressure change, based on the density differential between water and oil. The final system was capable of identifying when the oil had reached a depth of 200 to 250 mm within the interceptor. The second detection system, a portable microfluidic fluorimeter, was intended for placement in locations for the direct analysis of water. Glutathione was chosen as a model analyte, associated with a sex pheromone and prior to the onset of spawning may be found in high concentrations. The system that has been developed is capable of selectively sensing glutathione to below 10 μM. However, the threshold concentration in the proximity of its release as a pheromone is greater than 100 μM and within this range the fluorimeter produced a linear response. The fluorimeter used an LED light source with a PMT detector. An analysis could be made every seven minutes, using 150 μL each of analyte and reagent for every cycle. Through assessment of a pre-made standard, the viability of the microfluidic system could be assured with regards to blockages or other malfunctions of the system.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:519224 |
| Date | January 2009 |
| Creators | Scott, Robin M. |
| Contributors | Greenway, Gillian (supervisor) ; Snelling, Howard Victor (supervisor) |
| Publisher | University of Hull |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://hydra.hull.ac.uk/resources/hull:2491 |
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