The SBT Aqua sensor reportedly detects all types of bacteria present in a water sample, along with their concentrations in real time (Credit: Technical University of Denmark)
Contaminated water has been the one of the major causes of illness mainly in the developing and under-developed countries. Currently, detecting contaminants in water can take a few days, putting animals and people at risk.
To tackle this problem, a new real-time sensor for the detection of bacterial contaminants in drinking water has been developed by graduate students from the Technical University of Denmark. This sensor holds the promise for on-the-spot detection of contaminants in water without the need of lab test or technical experts. This new invention has laid the foundation for the tech startup- SBT Aqua.
“I believe that our product will revolutionize the way microbiological water quality measurements are made,” says Erik Gustav Skands, CEO of the small entrepreneurial start-up SBT Aqua, which is behind the newly developed sensor.
The sensor utilizes a technique known as impedence flow cytometry. In this, liquid is monitored via electrodes that carry multi-frequency voltage signals. Particles in water often affect the flow of current between the electrodes. This opposition to current flow is commonly called as impedence. Various particles have their own effect on impedence. However, the change in impedence caused by bacteria is uniquely different from other non-organic particles. This enables the accurate detection of bacteria in water samples. Furthermore, this sensor has a unique advantage of requiring very low maintenance.
“Today, all commercialised technology to detect bacteria requires either staining, incubation, or manual sample-handling,” explains the SBT Aqua team.
Interestingly, the sensor can provide real-time monitoring of liquid samples, and can detect bacteria in water instantly. In fact, because the changes vary even between different types of bacteria, SBT claims that the technology can simultaneously detect all types of bacteria present in the water. Sensors can be placed throughout a particular network to detect problems at any particular point, thus enabling continuous monitoring of water quality.
The developers further explain with reference to their country Denmark wherein the water samples are only analyzed once a week, leaving a seven-day window where people could be at risk. This sensor could be the suitable for monitoring on a regular basis.
Founded in 2013, the company has won numerous awards and competitions with its sensor and the underlying measuring concept, including first prize in Denmark’s biggest entrepreneurial competition, Venture Cup. The company—which is located in the science park Scion DTU with easy access to the University’s academic environments—is now engaged in product development, testing and patent application. The sensor would be ready for commercial launch in 2016.
SBT Aquatech consists of Gustav Skands, Christian Bertelsen and Joachim Thomsen Credit: DTU
Source: Technical University of Denmark
Categories: Denmark, Environment, Europe, Startups
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