Biofilm-based monitoring system for aquatic ecosystems

BIOFILM

The present invention provides a new biofilm-based monitoring system that allows the continuous monitoring of contaminant’s loads on aquatic ecosystem. This system consists of one reference chamber and one monitoring chamber, wherein the biofilm is placed. By measuring and comparing the fluorescence of the biofilms in the two chambers, data discrimination can be made to detect the presence of toxic pollutants, and its combined effect.

This new system reduces the amount of water tests required to verify water quality as well as it reduces subjectivity during the test. Laboratory toxicity calibration tests have been performed in order to validate this new approach and understand the response of biofilms to toxicant pressure. Also, prototypes have been tested in field campaigns.

BIOFILM


This technology has been developed by the researchers of the Center of Ambiental, Food and Toxicologic Technology (TecnATox) and the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), and a patent has been granted. The institution represented is looking for a collaboration that leads to commercial exploitation of the presented invention.

The researchers have received also funds from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No.801342 (Tecniospring INDUSTRY) and the Government of Catalonia’s Agency for Business Competitiveness (ACCIÓ) (Project ref.: ACE026/21/000093) in collaboration with EC-Joint Research Centre and AECOM.

Institution: Universitat Rovira i Virgili

TRL: 6

Protection status: Granted patent

Contact: Miguel Estruch / miguel@viromii.com