Argus Nanosensors Inside Plants

Argus Nanosensors Inside Plants
by Harpreet Singh Sareen

• Awarded April 15, 2021
• CLIENT: Parsons School of Design
• 604.425

Argus is a water quality monitoring system based on a living plant. Nanosensors are injected into the leaves, where they remain within the intercellular space. The sensors produce a visible glow of a specific light wavelength. When lead from the surrounding water reaches the leaves, the glow is reduced, indicating that the water contains impurities. The plant samples water continuously and needs no electricity. A result appears within fifteen minutes to two hours, which is faster than laboratory testing.