A pioneering innovation from Stony Brook University promises to transform the way water quality is monitored. Associate Professor Qingzhi Zhu, of the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, has been awarded a patent for an advanced sensor system capable of simultaneously detecting nitrate/nitrite and ammonium in real time — a major breakthrough for environmental monitoring.
This cutting-edge technology has the potential to revolutionise wastewater treatment and septic system monitoring, offering immediate insights into water quality, enabling faster response to contamination events, and ultimately safeguarding both public health and fragile ecosystems.
“The university plays a crucial role in advancing solutions for urgent environmental issues,” said Professor Zhu, crediting Stony Brook University for fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation. The achievement reflects the support of the university’s robust research infrastructure, including the New York State Centre for Clean Water Technology (CCWT), Aller Laboratory, and world-class machine shops.
A New Era of Real-Time Nutrient Monitoring
Nitrogen pollution is one of the most persistent water quality challenges in the United States, particularly in areas reliant on groundwater. Traditional monitoring methods involve manual sampling and laboratory testing, often taking days or weeks to deliver results. By the time data becomes available, damage may already be done.
Professor Zhu’s patented sensor addresses this problem by delivering instant, continuous data. Importantly, it is the first sensor capable of simultaneously measuring nitrate and ammonium in a single device, making it uniquely suitable for the challenging conditions of wastewater systems.
“If something happened in the system, that means it happened a month ago already,” Professor Zhu explained of conventional methods. “But this sensor can tell you immediately when that happened.”
This immediacy allows for early intervention — for example, one installation in Southampton detected a spike in nitrogen after a holiday weekend, alerting the homeowner to a failed aeration pump, which was repaired before further harm could occur.
By helping detect nitrogen pollution early, the sensor can prevent harmful algal blooms (HABs), protect drinking water from contamination, and reduce human health risks. Its self-calibrating and self-cleaning features make it highly reliable and low-maintenance, ideal for long-term deployment in harsh field environments.
The Journey Behind the Breakthrough
Professor Zhu’s career has been defined by his commitment to developing practical tools for environmental analysis. He has worked extensively on chemical sensors for in-situ studies, including devices to measure dissolved oxygen, pH, pCO₂, and hydrogen sulphide in marine environments.
His participation in the EPA Advanced Septic System Nitrogen Sensor Challenge was pivotal, motivating him to design a robust, dual-parameter sensor capable of withstanding wastewater conditions. His innovation was the only one to pass all phases of EPA field testing — from one week to six months — earning him an EPA award in 2020.
Towards the Future of Environmental Sensing
The patented sensor is now undergoing pilot testing in homes, schools, and municipal wastewater treatment plants on Long Island. Professor Zhu envisions significant commercial potential, helping municipalities and households take a more proactive role in water quality management.
Looking ahead, Zhu is turning his attention to developing sensors for PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) — the so-called “forever chemicals” — which are notoriously difficult to detect at regulatory thresholds as low as 4 parts per trillion. A successful PFAS sensor, Zhu notes, would be a “game changer” for environmental monitoring.
This latest achievement underscores Professor Zhu’s enduring commitment to advancing sustainable water solutions and bridging the gap between academic research and real-world application — a vital step towards healthier communities and cleaner ecosystems.
Source & Image: https://surl.li/saqfuf
