DCU Water Develops Novel Sensing Materials for the Marine Environment
Chemical water pollution poses a growing threat to marine ecosystems, with contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and estrogen-mimicking chemicals increasingly found in aquatic environments. PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," persist in the marine environment and have been linked to hormonal disruption, immune system effects, and elevated cancer risk. Estrogen-mimicking compounds, commonly found in pharmaceuticals and personal care products, interfere with the reproductive systems of aquatic life, disrupting ecosystem balance. Current sensing methods have restraints around size, cost and weight
To tackle these challenges, researchers at Dublin City University’s (DCU) Water Institute are playing a key role in the COMPAS project, funded by Horizon Europe with collaboration with SINTEF focused on revolutionizing water quality monitoring through cutting-edge photonic sensor technology.
Enhancing Detection with Innovative Sensor Coatings
Traditional water testing often relies on time-consuming laboratory analysis, which delays critical interventions. To overcome this, DCU researchers are developing sol-gel coatings designed to improve sensor performance. These coatings enhance the detection of target pollutants—such as PFAS and estrogens—by adsorbing or absorbing them, allowing for accurate, real-time monitoring in diverse aquatic settings.
Real-World Validation in Dublin Bay and Dublin Port
To rigorously validate its next-generation sensor technologies, the DCU Water Institute is participating in targeted field trials in Dublin Bay Biosphere and Dublin Port—two critical marine zones where pollution and environmental stressors present real and complex challenges. These high-impact sites offer ideal testbeds to assess how variables such as biofilm formation, salinity, pH, and dynamic hydrodynamic conditions influence sensor performance, accuracy, and long-term resilience. The insights gained will be instrumental in optimising sensor design for sustained deployment in harsh, real-world environments—bringing us closer to scalable, field-ready solutions for Europe’s environmental monitoring needs.
Towards Global Standards: Harmonized Validation Protocols
A key objective of the COMPAS project is to develop a compact, cost-effective sensor platform utilising Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs). These tiny optical chips enable highly sensitive environmental monitoring by guiding light through microscopic pathways. To ensure global applicability and reliability, DCU is also working on harmonized validation protocols. These standardized methods will allow researchers and policymakers to assess water quality consistently across different regions and contexts.
Pioneering Next-Generation Sensing for a Greener, Smarter Europe
DCU’s contributions in the COMPAS project marks a transformative step in the future of environmental monitoring. Integrating advanced photonics technologies with real-world field deployment, Led by SINTEF, COMPAS delivers resilient, scalable sensor systems that directly address the urgent challenges of water and air pollution. These innovations are vital to Europe’s green and digital transitions, offering smarter tools for pollution tracking, early warning, and infrastructure resilience. As climate pressures and supply chain vulnerabilities intensify, DCU’s work is helping to future-proof environmental sensing—ensuring cleaner resources and stronger, more responsive systems for tomorrow.
Project Information
Programme: HORIZON-CL4-2023-DIGITAL-
Project Name: COMPAS
Grant Agreement ID: 101135796