Rapid Indicator for Pollution

CEDAR Systems responds to the EPAs need for an inexpensive, convenient and rapid analytical method for the detection of pollution indicators for such as E. coli and enterococci in beach and other recreational waters as a means of identifying risk before exposure has taken place. Currently available tests are far from ideal in that they all require significant incubation periods (i.e. 18+ hours) to achieve a test result, the methodologies are lengthy and labor intensive and they require trained personnel and specialized equipment. We propose to develop a new Rapid Indication for Pollution (RIPTM) System that detects the presence of E. coli and enterococci in approximately 2 hours or less with detection limits at or below the EPA guidelines for recreational waters. Our approach is of extremely low risk because it utilized reagent that are already established and are in everyday use. The RIPTM System detects bacterial enzymes in a very specific reaction, generating unambiguous, easy-to-read results. Thus, the test should have extremely low false positive and false negative results. The key innovation in the RIPTM System is the inclusion of a microbial concentration step utilizing a surface modified, positively charged, high capacity adsorbent. Large volumes of water (e.g. 10 liters) may pass through a small amount of adsorbent at very high flow rates (e.g. 5 to 30 liters per minute). The enzymes beta-D-glucuronidase (E. coli) and beta-D-glucosidase (Enterococci) are detected by the presence of a fluroogenic end product (4-methyl-umbelliferone) that can be measure using a UV light/fluorometer. Following the concentration step, the microbial population and associated enzyme levels are high enough to yield a rapid fluorescence readily observable to the operator after a short incubation period. Preliminary work performed with these specially treated adsorbents demonstrated high removal efficiencies (>99.999 percent) using a wide variety of water qualities. CEDAR Systems plans to license the RIPTM System to existing water treatment companies as part of our commercialization plan. Members of our team have established relationships with several such companies. Two additional markets that we would target include public beaches as well as owners of commercial pools and spas (i.e. hotels, country clubs, health clubs). In these large markets, there are significant benefits offered by our approach: 1) greater safety to bathers since a rapid degradation of water quality can be detected, and 2) enables the more rapid opening of recreational waters for the enjoyment of bathers.