AWWA WSC67798

Detection and characterization of chemical contaminants in water streams is paramount for water quality and water security. The current trend of monitoring the presence of contaminants is the batch sampling technique, where a sample of water is collected and analyzed in the laboratory. This method is not practical in case of disasters. A modified cladding Polyaniline based sensor is developed that can detect ammonia and hydrochloric acid. The sensor showed a rapid reversible color change when exposed to ammonia and hydrochloric acid. The change in intensity caused by the modified cladding is studied parametrically which will help in the formulation of a correlation between response time, concentration of chemical contaminant, and change in optical intensity. Includes 18 references, figures.