Automated Microbiological Water Quality Monitor

In order to permit humans to live and work safely in space NASA has a need for in flight automated monitoring of microbiological water quality in regenerative life support systems. Such monitoring is used to ensure and maintain water treatment efficacy and protect crew health. Existing standard microbiological monitoring techniques are labor intensive and/or produce large volumes of biological and chemical waste. These factors render these methods unattractive for in-flight monitoring use. We propose an innovative multi-sample, in-line, automated system for the enumeration of heterotrophic indicator bacteria in water supplies. These organisms are commonly used to monitor efficacy of water treatment and disinfection processes. This innovative fluidics-based integrative technology makes use of in-line automated sampling, metabolic cell indicators, and photometry. The proposed system is automated, rugged, minimally sample consumptive/waste productive, small and low power. The technology is also adaptable for detection of other microbial indicators, allowing for use in regulatory compliance monitoring. The system eliminates the need for manual sampling (which can cause sample contamination itself), shipping (if required), and laboratory-based analysis. Significant commercial potential exists with such a monitoring system for public and critical applications water supply monitoring. These include drinking, bathing and industrial applications waters.