Characterizing and Real-Time Monitoring of Various Types of Waters and Wastewaters Contaminated With Algae, Recycled Plastic Powders, and Clay Using the New Electrical Methods With Vipulanandan Models

This study presents an advanced framework for real-time monitoring of contaminated water systems using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) integrated with the Vipulanandan Case-2 Smart Cement Model. The research bridges environmental water-quality assessment and impedance-based material characterization by developing a quantitative, model-driven method to evaluate the behavior of biological, chemical, and particulate contaminants under dynamic conditions. Six representative samples of algae, acidic algae, nitric acid (0.1 M), sodium hydroxide (0.1 M), polylactic acid (PLA), and bentonite clay were prepared in four concentrations and monitored over ten days, generating seventy-two datasets. Physicochemical parameters, including pH, EC, TDS, resistivity, DO, CO₂, NO₃⁻, and Cl,⁻ were measured alongside impedance spectra obtained between 20 Hz and 300 kHz using LCR meter configured in a two-probe, four-wire setup. The Vipulanandan Case-2 model accurately represented impedance responses (R² > 0.95, RMSE < 200) and extracted key parameters, resistance (Rc), capacitance (Cc), and relaxation time (τ = Rc × Cc). Distinct electrical signatures were observed for each contaminant: algal samples exhibited dielectric variation; nitric acid and NaOH showed dominant ionic conduction; PLA and bentonite displayed interfacial polarization effects. Strong correlations were identified between Rc, Cc, and EC/TDS, confirming τ as a reliable diagnostic indicator of contamination severity. Overall, this research validates EIS combined with the Vipulanandan Case-2 model as a reliable, reagent-free, and scalable technique for real-time water-quality monitoring, supporting future development of AI-enabled smart sensing networks for sustainable environmental and infrastructure management.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Construction Management

Grantor

University of Houston

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Radhakrishnan, Shanmathi 2001-

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Gao, Lu
• Vipulanandan, Cumaraswamy

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Shaffer, Devin L.
• Din, Zia Ud

• Vipulanandan Model
• Impedance Descriptors
• Water Quality Monitoring
• Bentonite Clay
• Microplastics (PLA)
• Algae

Language dc:language.iso

English

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10657/20862

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:uh-ir.tdl.org:10657/20862