An online real‐time biomonitor for contaminant surveillance in water supplies

Abstract

Automated biomonitoring systems provide continuous, real-time monitoring of changes in water quality and can rapidly identify toxicity associated with a wide range of chemical contaminants and increase public confidence in drinking water quality. Although widespread in Europe, biomonitor use is rare in the United States. Using case studies of a biomonitor that continuously monitors fish ventilatory patterns, this article illustrates how biomonitors can contribute to an early warning monitoring system for source and finished water protection.The case studies provide a context for a discussion of considerations important for biomonitor implementation, including toxicant responsiveness, event confirmation, implementation of biomonitors in a decision-making process, and cost. Recommendations are also provided for biomonitor use at raw water intake and distribution systems. An online real-time biomonitor for contaminant surveillance in water supplies 108 FEBRUARY 2007 | JOURNAL AWWA • 99:2 | PEER-REVIEWED | MIKOL ET AL 2007

Evaluation of the Multispecies Freshwater Biomonitor to Determine Behavioural Effects of Tributyltin and Atrazine on Daphnia Magna and Hyalella Azteca

“…Methods for detecting large influxes of pollutants into drinking water supplies which pose a threat to human and ecosystem health need to be implemented in order to strengthen water treatment systems already in place. Use of proper monitoring can also identify polluters upstream in order for them to be held accountable for their actions (Mikol et al., 2007).…”

Evaluation of the Multispecies Freshwater Biomonitor to Determine Behavioural Effects of Tributyltin and Atrazine on Daphnia Magna and Hyalella Azteca

“…The use of automated biomonitoring systems for source water protection offers several advantages over traditional chemical spot sampling methods. First, EWBS respond rapidly to a large variety of contaminants (Mikol et al, 2007). Organism response will occur if the concentration and exposure time exceed a given threshold, regardless of the contaminant.…”

“…It is then up to modelling systems of the biomonitors as well as chemical analysis to determine what an exact culprit may be. Although a large range of contaminants can be detected using biomonitors, it is difficult if not impossible to specifically identify which contaminant, or mixture of contaminants, has entered the water system (Mikol et al, 2007). Further chemical analysis is required for accurate identification.…”

“…The cost of the equipment is also to be considered. The cost of commerciallyavailable biomonitors generally ranges from approximately $10,000 (US) to $100,000 (US) (Mikol et al, 2007). Personnel costs are reduced as little maintenance and upkeep is required for the biomonitors and organisms, and data can be checked routinely and remotely.…”

A versatile and low-cost open source pipetting robot for automation of toxicological and ecotoxicological bioassays

“…While such systems are relatively inexpensive and do not typically require extensive maintenance, they are also limited in that they are suitable to detect only certain contamination events, and often at fairly high concentrations (e.g., flooding of or seepage into drinking water wells). On the other hand biological early warning systems (BEWSs) may be used, which continuously track the physiological or behavioral reactions of organisms to detect sudden increases of the concentration of contaminants [ 5 , 6 ]. The development of the first BEWSs dates back to several decades ago.…”