Electrochemical Detection of Coliforms in Wastewater

To keep up with regulatory demands, the US Navy would benefit from sensors able to predict the quality of wastewater being discharged from its Marine Sanitation Devices. Measurement of fecal coliform bacteria in treated wastewater samples is a critical requirement. Unfortunately existing methods to measure coliform bacteria in wastewater are laborious and need lengthy incubation periods. This proposal describes the development of a new electrochemical assay that can serve as an easy to use and autonomous fecal coliform detection platform. The method is rapid, can predict fecal coliforms at realistic levels and can be easily integrated with existing Marine Sanitation Devices for wastewater treatment quality assurance demonstration. The new approach takes into account difficulties presented when analyzing effluent samples containing levels of dissolved and suspended materials which can interfere with the measurement. The Phase I study will validate the feasibility and merits of the sensor, resulting in a development plan for further implementation of the technology.