Post by Karstscience on Apr 4, 2006 8:04:56 GMT -5
Researchers in the UK have come up with an ingenious way of detecting water pollution in a matter of seconds.
1-April-2006
The University of Birmingham's School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences have teamed up with the scientific instrumentation company, Safe Training Systems (STS) Ltd, and created a device that can be used by the river side.
Intricate device that can detect organic water pollutants in seconds. (Image courtesy of the University of Birmingham)
Detector of organic water pollutants
Organic water pollutants like sewage and landfill can be detected using fluorescence – a natural phenomena where certain substances absorb and emit light. Farm effluents can also be found and their origins identified.
Dr Andy Baker, lead investigator from the university, says: "Originally I was studying the fluorescence of ground water in caves, and I found that a different type of fluorescence is present in river water. We then developed a fluorescence fingerprint for substances found in river water, so that we could identify pollutants."
Taking the 'lab to the river'
Dr Baker adds: "Traditionally tests are lab-based and take up to five days. It is crucial that water samples don’t degrade in the time that it takes to transport them from the river to the lab, so we wanted to develop a device that can be taken to the river bank so that water samples can be examined immediately – we can now take a sample, measure the fluorescence and identify the pollutants. We are effectively taking the lab to the river."
A life-saver
It is hoped that the device will be a life-saver in disaster relief scenarios when there is a limited supply of water and a large number of people. Detecting water that is safe enough to drink is just one example of how the device can be used. Environmental organisations and businesses will also reap the benefits, especially those that need to quickly identify the source of water pollution.
www.britishembassy.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1093348276705&a=KArticle&aid=1142706221864
1-April-2006
The University of Birmingham's School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences have teamed up with the scientific instrumentation company, Safe Training Systems (STS) Ltd, and created a device that can be used by the river side.
Intricate device that can detect organic water pollutants in seconds. (Image courtesy of the University of Birmingham)
Detector of organic water pollutants
Organic water pollutants like sewage and landfill can be detected using fluorescence – a natural phenomena where certain substances absorb and emit light. Farm effluents can also be found and their origins identified.
Dr Andy Baker, lead investigator from the university, says: "Originally I was studying the fluorescence of ground water in caves, and I found that a different type of fluorescence is present in river water. We then developed a fluorescence fingerprint for substances found in river water, so that we could identify pollutants."
Taking the 'lab to the river'
Dr Baker adds: "Traditionally tests are lab-based and take up to five days. It is crucial that water samples don’t degrade in the time that it takes to transport them from the river to the lab, so we wanted to develop a device that can be taken to the river bank so that water samples can be examined immediately – we can now take a sample, measure the fluorescence and identify the pollutants. We are effectively taking the lab to the river."
A life-saver
It is hoped that the device will be a life-saver in disaster relief scenarios when there is a limited supply of water and a large number of people. Detecting water that is safe enough to drink is just one example of how the device can be used. Environmental organisations and businesses will also reap the benefits, especially those that need to quickly identify the source of water pollution.
www.britishembassy.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1093348276705&a=KArticle&aid=1142706221864