Episode 19: Building DIY Lab Equipment for Water Research: Homemade Nitrogen Evaporators & PFAS Analysis

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Dr. Eamonn Clark, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Hawaii,  Mānoa and the Water Resources Research Center, as he shares his journey in water research and laboratory innovation.In this episode:- Dr. Clark introduces his work on water treatment and disinfection byproducts, including research following the Red Hill fuel spill in Oahu.- A behind-the-scenes look at the development of a home-built nitrogen blowdown evaporator—why it was needed, how it was designed, and who can benefit from building their own lab equipment.- Discussion of workflows for PFAS analysis, the importance of accessible analytical tools, and the impact of DIY solutions in low-resource settings.- Insights into other homemade lab instruments, the role of 3D printing and PCB design, and the value of community science in water quality monitoring.- Reflections on the broader impact of water research, community engagement, and the importance of making science accessible to all.Key topics covered:- Water Resources Research Center and its mission- Analytical methods for PFAS and disinfection byproducts- Step-by-step overview of building a nitrogen evaporator- Who should consider DIY lab equipment- The future of homemade scientific tools and citizen science- Community outreach and the real-world impact of water researchWhether you’re a scientist, student, or simply curious about how research labs innovate on a budget, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration for building your own scientific equipment and making a difference in your community.Check out for links to Dr. Clark’s technical note and additional resources on DIY lab equipment and water research:- https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2025/ay/d4ay02118e/unauth- https://pubs.rsc.org/en/journals/articlecollectionlanding?sercode=ay&themeid=9bc2db53-354c-4a55-84eb-93fcae875044- https://blog.organomation.com/blog/inaugural-homemade-evaporator-contest-results-the-peak-of-ingenuity