Led by CIM researchers, the project, funded by the Provincial Council of Pontevedra, confirms that it is possible to simplify environmental analysis and use more affordable tools to democratize the process
The AQUASENSE project, led by researcher Vanesa Romero from the Marine Research Centre (CIM) at the University of Vigo, provides more accessible, portable and adaptable analytical solutions for the detection of contaminants in natural waters in non-specialized environments.
The project, funded through the Pontevedra Provincial Council’s grant programme, focused on developing sustainable and accessible solutions to detect contaminants such as heavy metals or nitrogen compounds in natural waters, relying on portable and low-cost analytical devices made from materials such as cellulose. In addition, it used miniaturization as an alternative to conventional techniques, reducing costs, waste and complexity. This initiative combines innovation, green chemistry and social responsibility to improve the environmental monitoring of natural waters.
“The idea is that contaminant detection should not be a privilege reserved for large laboratories,” explained Vanesa Romero. “We want to provide solutions that can be used in resource-limited contexts, helping to protect the environment and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals, especially those related to clean water and responsible production,” she added.
A fast, affordable and sustainable method
The design of the devices begins with a commercial cellulose substrate (filter paper) on which very small hydrophobic channels (like pathways) are created to guide liquids toward specific areas of the substrate. These areas may contain dry reagents that generate a chemical response (such as a colour change, fluorescence emission or chemiluminescence) in the presence of certain substances, making it possible to detect, for example, whether a sample contains a specific contaminant.
“We provide more accessible and portable analytical solutions, demonstrating the feasibility of compact, low-cost, portable equipment that can be easily adapted to non-specialized environments,” explained Vanesa Romero.
One of AQUASENSE’s most significant advances is the possibility of recording the chemical response using a mobile phone camera and processing the image with open-access software, allowing results to be interpreted and contaminants quantified more quickly and at lower cost.
“The research confirms that environmental analysis can become more democratic,” said Vanesa Romero. “These results open the door to tools that can be used in resource-limited contexts, bringing water quality monitoring closer to society.”
In addition, the project assessed the environmental impact of the complete analytical method, applying green chemistry principles to ensure that the entire process, from manufacturing to analysis, meets sustainability criteria.
With AQUASENSE, CIM reinforces its commitment to applied and socially relevant research, demonstrating how scientific innovation can contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future.
CIM holds the CIGUS recognition granted by the Xunta de Galicia, which certifies the quality and impact of its research, and its activity is co-financed by the European Union through the FEDER 21-27 Programme.
Source: DUVI
