A new type of equipment can quickly detect organic pollutants in water
Using the fluorescent method, organic water pollution including sewer sewage and landfill disposal can be detected. Fluorescence is a natural phenomenon that uses a special substance to absorb and emit light. Using this method can also find agricultural wastewater, and determine its composition.
Dr. Andy Baker, head of research at the University of Birmingham, said: “At first, I was studying the fluorescence of surface water in caves, but then I discovered that there were different types of fluorescence in river water. Then we analyzed that river water. The fluorescent fingerprints of the contained substances can be used to analyze contaminants in water."
Dr. Baker added: “Generally speaking tests are performed in the laboratory and it takes five days. It is crucial to ensure that water quality does not occur when water samples are sent from the riverside to the laboratory. So we want to be able to develop a device that can be placed near the river and that can immediately test the water sample.Now we can extract the water sample, detect the fluorescence and identify the type of pollutant.We successfully moved the laboratory to riverside."
It is hoped that this type of equipment will become a life-saving device for disaster reduction, especially for areas with a large population and relatively limited water resources. Detecting whether the water source meets drinking conditions is just one of the many uses for this device. Environmental protection organizations and business groups can also benefit from this, especially those institutions that need to quickly identify sources of water pollution.