New nanotech device enables onsite test for water toxicity

The technology, now in its next phase of development via university spin-out Nanolyse Technologies, could transform the protection of human health and the environment against chemical pollution caused by toxic, heavy metals dissolved in water.

Portable device rapidly detects drinking water pollution

Dr Imad Ahmed, founder and CEO of Nanolyse told The Engineer that Nanolyse’s technology uses a combination of nano-porous membranes and custom magnetic nanocarriers to separate and concentrate ions from water.

“A water sample is injected into the system and selective, magnetic nanocarriers scavenge positively or negatively-charged ions from the solution in minutes,” he said. “Macro molecules – such as proteins and lipids – do not pass through nano-porous membranes. The nanocarriers are then isolated with a permanent magnet, plus a small volume of acid, allowing analysis of the element’s chemical speciation.”

Dr Ahmed added that current technology and processes for measuring water toxicity levels means transporting samples to a laboratory for analysis. Separating and analysing different ‘species’ of toxic chemicals then relies on costly, complex chromatography and mass spectrometry equipment.