As surrogates for viruses, bacteria, and protozoa,
fluorescent microspheres can be used to challenge
pathogen-removal technologies and determine their
efficacy in removing contaminants of interest. In addition,
microspheres are helpful in quantifying flow patterns
and mixing characteristics. However, the most
common microsphere enumeration method, direct
count by fluorescence microscopy, requires skilled
operators and expensive equipment. In the research
discussed here, a prototype device that used laser scanning
cytometry and that was constructed of relatively
inexpensive components performed at least as well as
the microscope for the range of ~5-200 µS/mm<sup>2</sup>.
Among the many challenges facing water providers
today are increasingly stringent regulations and the
threat of intentional contamination of water sources
with pathogens. A device such as the prototype
described here would offer utility managers a way to
test their water supply technologies with more accuracy
and precision. It represents a building block toward
more advanced (but still low-cost) technologies that
can detect pathogens and help reduce risks. Includes 7 references, figures.
| Edition : | Vol. 99 - No. 3 |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 620 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 8 |
| Published : | 03/01/2007 |
