Toxicity and Organic Load Tracking using BioElectrochemical Systems
The ToOLTuBES project will develop a real-time water quality biosensor.
Project leader
Prof Ian Head
Dates
2017-2020
Project staff
Prof Keith Scott
Dr Eileen Yu
Prof Tom Curtis
Dr Martin Spurr
Sponsors
BBSRC
Partners
University of South Wales
Description
We are working towards technology readiness level (TRL) 7. TRL 7 specifies demonstration in an operating environment at pre-commercial scale.
BES (BioElectrochemical Systems) technology incorporates an electrode-supported microbial biofilm. It generates electricity from oxidation of organics. It has great potential for low-cost, real-time sensing applications.
The magnitude of the electrical current generated correlates with the organic loading. Toxic compounds inhibit the signal. The sensor will monitor organic load and toxicity levels in real-time on wastewater influent samples.
We will use samples from a real-world wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). We will collect long-term monitoring data over two years. We will use the data to inform design and cohesion of a combined sensor package. This will propel the technology towards commercial realisation.