12.05.05
| Siemens has developed a new portable
analysis system for detecting harmful
substances in bodies of water. As
reported in the latest issue of the
company's research magazine "Pictures
of the Future", the suitcase-sized device
can test samples on its own and send
the results to a central server. Previously,
the samples had to be collected by hand
and subsequently analyzed in the laboratory.
Part of an EU project, the system was
developed by researchers from Corporate
Technology in Erlangen, in collaboration
with the University of Tübingen,
the Water Technology Center in Karlsruhe
and other partners. A model was recently
displayed at the IFAT Environment and
Waste Disposal trade fair in Munich.
The drinking water drawn from lakes, rivers and ground water wells
is subject to regular quality checks in Germany. In addition, the
testing of surface water is prescribed by the European Union. It
often takes one to two days until the results of testing are available.
With the AWACSS system (Automated Water Analyzer Computer Supported
System), though, no more than 15 minutes is needed to check for 32
different substances, ranging from antibiotics and pesticides to
hormones. The device can detect even tiny concentrations of less
than one microgram (one millionth of a gram) per liter. This level
of precision is sufficient to determine if the water contains any
pesticides. The results of the test are saved by a local computer,
from which the data is transmitted via a wireless modem or a local
area network (LAN) to a central server, where the data is then compared
with existing parameters. If any discrepancies are discovered, the
operator is notified by e-mail or text message.
The key component of AWACSS is a biochip that captures molecules
of environmental toxins. The water sample is first mixed with antibodies
that are marked with a fluorescent pigment. If the sample contains
molecules of herbicides, for example, the antibodies attach themselves
to the toxic particles. Once this process is completed, a pump propels
the liquid across a small glass biochip coated with a layer of captor
molecules. These molecules capture the antibodies, along with the
toxins, while the remaining particles are rinsed from the chip. Laser
light is used to cause the captured antibodies to glow, making them
detectable by the device's optical sensor. A single chip can be used
for about 300 tests. (IN 2005.05.1) Reference Number: IN 2005.05.1d
Contact:
Siemens Technikkommunikation
Dr. Norbert Aschenbrenner
Tel.: +49 (89) 636-33438
Fax: +49 (89) 636-35292
norbert.aschenbrenner@siemens.com
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