EcoProtect research is developing new electroconductive polymeric sensors to detect the presence of hydrocarbons (eg. diesel and petrol) in contaminated land to provide an early warning system for areas at high risk of hydrocarbon contamination e.g. petrol stations, fuel depots and pipelines.

Contaminated land in England and Wales is estimated to be up to 325,000 sites (300,000 ha); the main contaminants in April 2006 were observed to be metal and metalloids (60%) and organic compounds (30%). A large proportion of the organic compounds are hydrocarbons with most being petroleum based. Common sources of hydrocarbon pollutants include fuel storage and distribution, disposed of lubricating oil, leakages of solvents from industrial sites and coal stores. Additionally, oil and fuel pipelines are at risk of leakage often in remote locations and a means of rapid alert and position location are essential.