Development of a Phosphate Biosensor for Soil and Ground Water [PO43-] Detection Serkan Akar Florida International University/Applied Research Center Dept. of Biomedical Engineering Master’s Student

Background The recent research shows that stored uranium in Hanford causes extensive contamination in the soil and ground water. Phosphate PO43- reacts with Uranium and reduces it from U6+ to U4+. (Stabilization of Uranium) The detection/quantification of [PO4] is essential.

Method Develop an enzymatic biosensor which will carry out the reaction and produce H2O2. The produced H2O2 is detected via electro-chemical methods. The concentration of [PO4] is then calculated from the calibration curve obtained as a result of addition of PO4 in the solution.

Reaction Pyr+PO4+O2 POX Acetyl P + H2O2 + CO2

Detection Mechanism The reaction produces H2O2 which can be electro-chemically detected. H2O2 2H+ + 2e- + O2 The Sensing Response is obtained from oxidation current of above reaction

Experimental Setup

Experimental Setup

CV Background Buffer Solution

Amperometry Background Current Time DCPA of The Buffer

Graphs of H2O2 PO43- Addition Points

Normalized Data

Conclusion Obtained data clearly indicates that PO4 can be detected and measured/quantified successfully by the designed system.

Acknowledgement Dr. Leonel Lagos (DOE Fellows Program Director) Dr. Vekalet Tek ( ARC Mentor) Dr. Thomas G. Thundat (ORNL Mentor)