In a period where energy transition becomes critically important, lithium (Li) proves to be a key resource. However, its lifecycle, characterized by insufficient recycling, poses major challenges, especially in terms of contamination of coastal areas through anthropogenic river inputs. This contamination, still little quantified and anticipated, raises environmental and health concerns due to lithium's toxicity. In response to this urgency, the MICROLIT project emerges as an ambitious initiative aimed at developing advanced technologies for the precise monitoring of lithium in coastal areas and studying its impact on marine microorganisms.
The pivotal role of KLEARIA
Within this project funded by the National Research Agency (ANR), KLEARIA stands out for its significant contribution to the development of electrochemical and optical sensors dedicated to the direct monitoring of lithium in water. Once selected, these sensors will be integrated into a portable and field-compatible instrument, designed to be compatible with the analysis of real coastal samples. This technological choice highlights KLEARIA's expertise in the design and manufacturing of instruments from A to Z, incorporating both the HARDWARE part with cutting-edge sensors and the software part for the reprocessing of measured values.
Innovation and technological expertise
KLEARIA's innovative approach does not stop there. Indeed, the company showcases its unique know-how in the design and use of glass microfluidic chips. These play a crucial role in the miniaturization of measurement devices and the precision of analyses, allowing for efficient and economical management of reagents, while reducing analysis time. This expertise in microfluidics, coupled with solid experience in the development of integrated hardware and software solutions, positions KLEARIA as a key player in the MICROLIT project, capable of meeting the technical and environmental challenges related to lithium monitoring.
A stimulating collaboration
The MICROLIT project will also benefit from the strength of a consortium of local partners, offering a synergy between academic expertise and industrial know-how. Among them, two teams from the Institute of Physics of Nice (INPHYNI) will be involved. The MIMIC team will focus on analyzing the swimming behavior of marine microorganisms, while the MNM team will develop the sensor functionalization chemistry. The Oceanography Laboratory of Villefranche (CNRS-SU) and the radioecology laboratory (REL) of Monaco will provide their expertise in lithium concentration measurements and ecotoxicology, respectively.
Towards a significant breakthrough
The MICROLIT project will represent a significant advance in understanding and managing the environmental impacts of the energy transition. By placing KLEARIA at the heart of this initiative, the project demonstrates the company's ability to innovate and respond to contemporary challenges with advanced technological solutions. With its expertise in microfluidics, sensor development, and system integration, KLEARIA affirms itself as an essential partner for the protection of coastal areas and the preservation of marine biodiversity against the challenges posed by lithium.