Minute Microbial Levels Detection in Water Samples by Portable Microbe Enrichment Unit Technology

Abstract

Water purity requires continuous monitoring. PMEU technology (Portable Microbe Enrichment Unit) provides the means for starting the enrichment and analysis immediately after the sampling. The entire procedure can be automated and microbe levels monitored in real-time from the enrichment broth by using IR, optical, UV or volatiles screening. For example, single cells of Escherichia coli have been verified from water samples in less than 10 hours in an official validation project. Also such pathogens as Salmonella, Campylobacter and Yersinia have been detected rapidly from natural, purified and irrigation waters. The PMEU technology has potential in the continuous monitoring within water departments and distribution systems, as well as in environmental studies.