A new fiber optic sensor has been developed by researchers from the National Research University MIET, Ulyanovsk State University UlGU, and specialists from the Technology Center research and production complex. The project was shared with socialbites.ca through the Ministry of Education and Science.
The approach addresses a significant shortcoming in environmental monitoring. Traditional litmus testing often falls short in accuracy, and conventional laboratory analyses can take weeks to yield results. Alexander Gerasimenko, the head of the Biomedical Nanotechnology Laboratory at MIET’s Biomedical Institute, explained that the proposed technology enables remote, real time monitoring of pollutant concentrations across different sections of a water body using multiple sensors. This accelerates decision making in pollution management and supports rapid responses to detected contaminants.
The breakthrough sits in a thin, durable layer formed by single-walled carbon nanotubes on the sensor surface. This coating boosts the adsorption of dye molecules onto the fiber, which in turn enhances sensitivity and precision, enabling the detection of even small, potentially harmful dye levels. Developers note that earlier optical sensors did not achieve this level of sensitivity. An added benefit is the sensor’s robustness and reusability; after cleaning with water, the device maintains its responsiveness and can be deployed again without loss of performance.
With this sensor, the earliest possible detection of Rhodamine B is feasible. Rhodamine B is a widely used dye in textile processing and other industries, and its presence in water can signal contamination. Exposure to Rhodamine B poses health risks, including skin irritation, allergic reactions, and potential effects on neurological activity. It also raises concerns for aquatic life, where the lethal concentration for crustaceans is relatively low. The development aims to provide a rapid, reliable method for identifying this dye, contributing to safer water management and environmental protection. The system’s capability to pinpoint dye concentrations in real time helps keep communities informed and supports swift action to mitigate exposure and ecological impact, should contamination occur. The research underscores the broader push toward advanced sensing technologies that combine high sensitivity, reusability, and real time data streams to improve water quality oversight and public health outcomes.