Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
sample collection at sea followed by analysis in a land-based
laboratory is cumbersome and can take several days. One
cannot wait that long before eating one's dinner. Some new
technologies are available, including robotic environmental
sampling processors (ESP) that use molecular probes to detect
microorganisms in water and automated technology to pro-
vide near real-time information on what's in the water. The
instrument was tested in Puget Sound in the summer of 2013
for its ability to provide early warnings of harmful algae, their
toxins, and shellfish pathogens. Because the ESP can detect
harmful algae and bacteria in the water in near real time, it can
provide early warning of developing blooms before they con-
taminate shellfish. This information can help shellfish grow-
ers and public health officials make decisions to ensure safe
seafood to protect public health.
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