Date of Award

6-9-2014

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Santa Clara University

First Advisor

Unyoung Kim

Abstract

Arsenic contamination of groundwater is a global health problem affecting millions of people. Long-term exposure to arsenic has been linked to a variety of cancerous and non-cancerous health effects. Current diagnostic technologies for arsenic quantification are limited to either inaccurate colorimetric methods or expensive, off-site lab assays, which are unsuitable for resource-limited settings. To address this need for an affordable and rapid means of sensitive arsenic detection, our design project focuses on the design and fabrication of the first point-of-use microfluidic device capable of electrochemical detection and quantification of arsenic levels in groundwater sources. We fabricate our device rapidly and inexpensively using laser cutter technology to machine thin layers of acrylic plastic, which are then bonded using double-sided tape. A three-electrode system composed of conductive inks enables accurate detection of arsenic in concentrations down to 7.5 parts per billion. The sensor integrates with a miniaturized electrochemical analyzer and mobile application in order to provide a safe and effective means of detecting and quantifying arsenic contamination levels at the source.

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