Utah State University is commercialising a new device that will make tracking and evaluating of atmospheric mercury levels easier.
Utah State University Bingham Entrepreneurship and Energy Research Centre’s Seth Lyman is leading the commercialisation of an automated mercury calibration device. The product, which is yet to be given an official name, makes it easier to track and evaluate mercury levels in the atmosphere.
The research centre has secured a $50,000 Innovation Corps (I-Corps) grant from the US National Science Foundation, which will support startups directly related to the new technology.
Mercury, a neurotoxin, is an increasing global threat to human health and ecosystems. Humans and wildlife’s primary exposure to the material come from eating contaminated fish. The problem is man-made and continuously exacerbated by power plants, mining activities, incinerators and other industrial sources. Utah emits approximately 0.4 metric tons, compared to all of the North American continent at 213.5 metric tons and total global emissions at 1,913 metric tons.
Several different forms of mercury exist in the atmosphere, with oxidised mercury being particularly hard to track. It is this problem that Lyman is hoping to solve with the new device, allowing policymakers to gain a better understanding of mercury levels and adapting their regulations.
Christian Volmar, associate vice-president for Commercial Enterprises at Utah State University, said: “I-Corps team grants are unique because they provide funding for prototype development and other commercialisation costs that help bridge the typical funding gap between research and commercialization. Being awarded an I-Corps team grant also proves the quality of research we have going on in the Uintah Basin, and helps provide a model for continuing USTAR commercialization efforts at our regional campus locations.”
Lyman is hoping to begin beta testing in Nevada towards the end of 2014.
