Sensor Technology for Water Quality Monitoring: Bioluminescent Microorganisms

This report documents efforts to generate new biosensor microorganisms for screening influent wastewater for toxicity to biological treatment systems. Building on previous WERF-sponsored research, the project team set out to create an effective influent toxicity monitoring system based on an array of biosensor organisms. Although the research team was not able to successfully develop a new biosensor microorganisms for screening influent wastewater for toxicity to biological wastewater treatment systems, this report provides valuable information on their efforts. The report details methodologies appropriate for the creation of new bioluminescent biosensors from bacteria that are common constituents of activated sludge and discusses potential pitfalls for future investigations. It also identifies potential areas for future and long-term research to take this work to the next level. Published by WERF. 76 pages. Softcover.

Originally funded as WERF project 01-WSM-2a.