Development of total coliform detection kit using body temperature

Abstract

Technological advances have increased access to clean water, but 3.4 million people around the world die from waterborne disease every year. Currently, there is equipment capable of detecting pathogens that cause waterborne disease, but access to detection equipment is limited in areas where power supply to use detection equipment is unavailable or where standard detection equipment is too expensive to purchase. In this paper, we will deal with the total coliform detection kit using body temperature that can be used in areas suffering from above difficulties. ColiQuant, total coliform detection kit using body temperature, is a method of putting sample water in a tube containing a substrate that shows a color reaction by an enzyme, culturing the total coliform using body temperature, and determining the presence of the total coliform through color change. In addition, it is possible to detect the total coliform at a lower price (3,000 won/$3) than existing equipment of millions of won or more, so it can be used easily in developing and underdeveloped countries. This paper introduces the research and development process of the total coliform detection kit using body temperature and present the social value of the ColiQuant.