Award Data

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the atmosphere are primary drivers of global climate change and hence there is a crucial need to quantify their sources and sinks. A general technique to constrain source and sink strengths is the analysis of the relative proportions of isotopic variants of GHG's. These measurements must be performed with extremely high precision. The gold standard technique, i ...

There are currently no inexpensive observing systems that detect temperature, salinity and currents under the ocean's surface - all important factors in predicting the intensity of hurricanes. Boston Engineering proposes to develop the Multi-Purpose Above Surface/Below Surface Expendable Dropsondes (MASED). Our design builds on the highly successful air dropsondes already in use, combined with a ...

The objective of the proposed work is to determine whether Dioxide Materials' miniature C02 sensors have the potential to be adapted for autonomous measurement of ocean carbon. The existing sensors have many advantages for measurements of ocean carbon. They are much smaller and less costly than the existing sensors, work with much smaller gas samples, and use much less power. The sensors were d ...

This Phase I proposal determines the feasibility of growing multiple species of macroalgae in commercial marine aquafarm environments. Marine aquaculture is a logical outgrowth of successful wild harvest seaweed businesses over the last several years. Developing a marine aquaculture prototype will foster the science of sea farming. Extending growing seasons for multi-species would provide year ...

The goal of this project is to develop, implement, and experimentally validate a new Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS) capable of providing sub-centimeter positioning accuracy for quasi-static scientific, mapping, and survey applications. The main feature of the proposed DGNSS solution is that it leverages GNSS reference data from existing NOAA's Continuously Operational Ref ...

The mechanics of single photons can be used to entangle information carry quantum states, allowing for quantum computation or random number generation. Quantum communication utilizes the quantum nature of single-photons to retain information, particularly in the form of quantum key distribution protocols. High-efficiency, low-noise single photon detection at high efficiency is critical for the app ...

This project focuses on dissolution and destruction of adhered or trapped target compounds, such as pesticides on wetted porous surfaces (e.g., pipe walls). Our innovative treatment approach is based on simultaneous: (1) desorption from the pipe wall, and (2) oxidation via radical formation. OxyZone-C®, a proprietary reactive agent developed by our team, combines highly effective cyclodextrin­fa ...

Presently, there are no U.S. manufacturers for producing dimethyl carbonate (DMC), an environmentally benign and nonflammable solvent used in numerous applications. This strategically important solvent is used in numerous products, ranging from batteries to plastics, with most production occurring in China. DMC is a favored solvent for lithium ion batters due to its low volatility and nonflammable ...

A variety of inorganic and organic contaminants originating from municipal, agricultural and industrial wastewater sources are being found with increasing frequency in the Nation’s natural and drinking water supplies. These “emerging contaminants” include pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, steroids, hormones, flame retardants, perfluorinated compounds, personal care products, and herbicides and p ...

The topic (8.2.2R) requires the capability for enabling high sensitive/high precision measurements of calcium concentrates in seawater. The proposal aims to demonstrate the feasibility of a novel high sensitive nanosensor that can be used to determine very low concentrations of calcium in seawater in the presence of large backgrounds calcium concentration. The sensor approach will use the benefi ...