This powerpoint presentation presents research sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) on water quality
sensor response to contamination. Two knowledge gaps have been identified, and include:
detection of biological suspensions below 104-105
cfu/ml; and,
detection of radiological contaminants in water.
This research summarizes results for biological testing, in particular
rad sensor testing that is ongoing. Experimental design at the Test and Evaluation
Facility is provided, along with
sensor response results to B. globigii spores and
E. coli. Discussion of results includes:
all of the sensors produced some response at higher
concentrations, better than typical turbidimeters;
the multiple angle light scattering technology produced
a visual response at 1000 and 600 cfu/ml;
baseline for these tests was very stable,
whether these are meaningful responses for the field
depends partly on baseline noise;
responses were difficult to see at 1000 cfu/ml and
below, but event detection software may help detect
anomalies;
the data shows what one might observe with these
sensors in place; and,
there is a need for more online sensors that can
detect at low concentrations in the field. Includes tables.