AQUASENTINEL WATER SECURITY SENSOR

Algae Bio-Sensor Maps & Ranges Toxins in Water

AQUASENTINEL WATER SECURITY SENSOR

The AquaSentinel is an unique, patented, bio-technology solution that is based on fluorescence on the always present Algae in surface waters. It differentiates itself from the competition by using no chemicals or consumables, and that it is easy to install and maintain.

A need existed for a device that can provide real-time, 24/7 monitoring of source waters scanning for a broad spectrum of threats without the need for consumables or sample preparation. The practical response was to identify a naturally occurring biosensor, and it was ultimately recognized that green algae could provide this solution. Green algae occurs in all surface waters exposed to sunlight regardless of geography, and it fluoresces at a wavelength that is unique to the range of substances found in surface water. Further, the algal fluorescence induction curve can be used not only as an indicator of the algae’s health but with some analysis can actually provide a “thumbprint” of the toxin affecting it. This allows for the creation of a reagentless self-contained optoelectronic detection system which naturally lends itself to mapping and ranging of the presence of toxins in source waters.

Samples. As a water sample enters the instrument, the algae present in the water stream are subjected to high- intensity light that stimulates photosynthesis. This is a stress test for the algae, with the fluorometer measuring algal cells’ ability to carry out photosynthesis. If algae are stressed by a toxin, the reading will vary from the normal reading stored in the bio-sensor’s memory.• The biosensor automatically loads, measures, and

discharges water samples about every 1.5 minutes. Sample preparation and consumables aren’t needed.

• The system is programmed for self cleaning and requires little or no maintenance.

• The fully automated biosensor is controlled by an onboard computer and contains interval valving, communications, a fluorometer, and a database of algal fluorescence induction curves.

The biosensor can sense the presence of chemicals such as potassium cyanide, arsenic, mercury, gasoline, Atrazine, Para- quat, methlyparathion, and Diuron. If the generated curve isn’t an identical match, the biosensor matches the thumbprint to the closest-known toxin and delivers a percentage match to that family of toxins. Bacteria, viruses, spores, and harmful plants don’t affect photosynthesis and, therefore, aren’t in the biosensor’s library of toxins.

Additionally, it is easy to integrate into water and security management solutions and IoT/IoE platforms.

To learn more about this and other innovative solutions Go to OceanExchange(dot)Org