The purpose of this project is to identify low cost, non-toxic materials that can detect the presence of pathogens in water through the use of colorimetric sensing. Previous research utilized this method with gold nanoparticles; this project focuses on identifying less expensive materials so that this method can be used in places where it is difficult to access water analysis equipment.
The objective of this project is to design and test proof-of-concept beneficiation processes for H.M. Holloway, a producer of agricultural soil amendments. Beneficiation is the separation of ore constituents into economically valuable components. For raw gypsum ore, beneficiation consists of separating the ore into its three main constituents: gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate), clay (calcium bentonite), and quartz (silicon dioxide). Each constituent holds potential economic value as soil amendment to help produce healthier plants and increase crop yield. H.M. Holloway will be considering the results of this project to determine whether it should bring water and utilities to its raw gypsum ore mine location.
