Rapid Detection Technologies for Monitoring Microorganisms in Water

Abstract

The evaluation of microbial water quality in drinking water is necessary to protect consumers from water-borne or water-based illnesses caused by pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. In the past, microbial water quality was determined through the use of indicator organisms, whose presence indicated the potential incidence of pathogenic microorganisms in water. However, there has been a great debate among scientists, engineers, public health officials and water utilities regarding the use of indicators to determine microbial water quality. In addition, outbreaks due to contamination of drinking water have occurred regardless of the presence or absence of indicator organisms. However, consumers still demand safe drinking water that meets health quality standards, and aesthetic aspects such as color, turbidity, taste and odor. As a result, most water utilities have developed quality management and on-line monitoring systems because of i) lower costs; ii) real-time monitoring (not require laboratory measurements); and iii) recent security concerns against bioterrorism. On-line monitoring sensors are installed as early warning systems for monitoring treated water quality and microbial contamination in the distribution systems. In this paper, we review strategies for rapid detection of microorganisms in water. These technologies allow improveddetection sensitivity, and also provide important early warning data to decision-makers to protect public health.