Microbial sensor system for the assessment of subsurface environments
US10113990B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 15, 2016 |
| Grant date | Oct 30, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 10, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A microbial sensor, system, and method that can be used to determine a chemical environment and/or substrate concentrations in anaerobic or aerobic environments, such as soils, sediments and ground waters, are disclosed. An exemplary system uses one or more (e.g., inert) measurement electrodes and a reference electrode. The reference electrode can include an electrode exposed to atmospheric oxygen (e.g., a cathode) or an electrode exposed to stable anaerobic or aerobic conditions. The exemplary microbial sensor system measures open-circuit voltage to characterize the chemical (oxidizing or reducing) environment and/or recovery voltage to measure substrate concentrations in the subsurface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.