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POTENTIAL OF BIOLOGICAL MONITORING SYSTEMS TO DETECT TOXICITY IN A FINISHED MATRIX
Citation:
Allen*, H. J., R C. Haught*, AND J A. Goodrich*. POTENTIAL OF BIOLOGICAL MONITORING SYSTEMS TO DETECT TOXICITY IN A FINISHED MATRIX. Presented at WSWRD Peer Review, Cincinnati, OH, September 27 - 29, 2004.
Impact/Purpose:
To inform the public.
Description:
Distribution systems of the U.S. are vulnerable to natural and anthropogenic factors affecting quality for use as drinking water. Important factors include physical parameters such as increased turbidity, ecological cycles such as algal blooms, and episodic contamination events (both unintentional and intentional). The objective of this work is to provide a framework for the implementation of a water quality early warning system (WQEWS) using chemical, physical, and biological water quality monitors. To achieve this, the Water Awareness Technology Evaluation Research Security (WATERS) Center and the Early Warning Systems Laboratory (EWSL) have been established for physical/chemical probes and biological probes respectively. Water Quality Monitoring Systems (WQMS) using biological material are based on the canary in the coal mine concept. Biological systems are necessary for the monitoring of water quality because there is no machine or analytical approach available capable of quantifying toxicity. Recent technological advances permit the collection, telemetry, and analysis of sensitive behavioral/physiological data which can be indicative of water quality. Further, WQMSs can be strategically deployed for optimum geospatial coverage of a distribution system. This research includes: Laboratory WQMS technology evaluation research; R&D of field deployable WQMSs including data telemetry and analysis techniques; Field validation of WQMSs; and a Pilot WQEWS in southwest Ohio.