Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Northern Great Plains Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
Geological Survey funding for an affiliated Northern Great Plains partner to develop and test a method that corrects chemical interference in sensors measuring contaminants in environmental water.
Funder: U.S. Geological Survey
Due Dates: November 14, 2026 (Applications, 11:59 PM ET)
Funding Amounts: $1–$450,000 per award; $450,000 estimated total over three years; one expected award
Summary: Supports quantitative methods to correct solution chemistry interference in electrochemical sensors measuring PFAS in environmental water.
Key Information: Applicants must be participating partners of the Northern Great Plains Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit.
Description
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) offers this cooperative agreement through the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Program to develop a reliable quantitative method for correcting solution chemistry interference in molecularly imprinted polymer–electrochemical sensor (MIP-ES) measurements. The research targets complex environmental water samples containing contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), where background chemistry can obscure the sensor signal.
The project will develop a ratiometric comparison approach, progressing from bench-scale proof-of-concept testing to field trials. Research includes PFOA- and PFOS-based sensors, tap and surface water testing, single-blind studies, and USGS-partnered testing of samples from Joint Base Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The goal is to generate data and tools that identify drinking water risks, support early contaminant detection, and protect human health.
