The objective of the study is to develop a working prototype of a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) device for the real-time, in-situ quantification of metals concentrations in marine sediments. Initially, the field version will be a battery powered, hand held probe that can be pushed into the sediment in relatively shallow areas to determine the accuracy, resolution, detection limits, and repeatability of measurements, and will include ground truthing with sediment samples that will be collected and analyzed using standard laboratory methods for comparison.

It is expected that the resulting product could be used by NJDOT Office of Maritime Resources or other dredge-material managers to assess  sediment quality within waterways  for which they are responsible. We anticipate the technology could be presented to other dredge-material management organizations such as the Port Authority of NY/NJ, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 2, as well as various state agencies and engineering firms.