03/25/2025
By Danielle Fretwell
The Francis College of Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, invites you to attend a Doctoral Dissertation defense by Yigit Bozkurt on "Spatial Distribution of Lead and Copper in Drinking Water Using Handheld Voltammetric Sensors and GIS."
Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Southwick 240
Committee:
Advisor: Pradeep Kurup, Professor, Distinguished University Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, UMass Lowell
Committee Members
Xiaoqi (Jackie) Zhang, Department Chair, Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, UMass Lowell
Weile Yan, Associate Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, UMass Lowell
Mohammad Arif Ul Alam, Assistant Professor,Miner School of Computer and Information Sciences, UMass Lowell
Abstract:
Inorganic contaminants like lead and copper in drinking water pose serious health risks, largely due to aging infrastructure in water distribution systems. This dissertation presents the development of a voltammetric detection method for lead and copper, its integration into a portable device called the E-Tongue, and an assessment of its effectiveness for community-wide monitoring. The E-Tongue uses a mercury-free, nanomaterial-modified electrode and non-toxic buffers to detect contaminants quickly and reliably. Designed for ease of use, it delivers clear, color-coded results that enable individuals to test their tap water and contribute data for broader analysis. Spatial analysis using data from multiple communities revealed variations in water quality, with some areas exhibiting higher acidity or conductivity, which could influence the leaching of lead and copper from plumbing materials into drinking water. By pairing E-Tongue technology with GIS mapping, this work empowers communities to engage in real-time monitoring, identify contamination hotspots and support proactive water safety strategies.