This project focuses on turning a promising optical ion-sensing concept into a robust, user-ready monitoring platform -building on an 8-month deployment across seven Athabasca sites (five homes, two treatment-plant locations). The prior study showed our sensors can differentiate key ions (Na, Ca) and, in several cases, estimate concentrations when correlated with ICP-OES data. However, limitations in the prototype enclosure, sensor holder, and sampling/handling design constrained long-term stability, precision, and unattended operation.

The HQP will lead a comprehensive redesign of the field unit—enclosure, sensor holder, and fluidics—for autonomous, maintenance-free operation for many months (up to a year) and implement a rigorous quality-assurance and longevity program to quantify drift and robustness by challenging sensors under realistic conditions and re-profiling against a standardized ion panel. Performance will be validated via bench testing and targeted redeployments with ICP-OES correlation and structured end-user feedback. Deliverables include a next-generation Prototype Box v2 (design files) QA protocols and datasets, and a deployment/maintenance playbook. (Exploratory chemistry to broaden the ion panel may proceed opportunistically but is not a primary focus of this phase.)