TNO develops Hydro chip for quick monitoring surface water quality
The Dutch applied research institute TNO is developing, in close cooperation water board Hollands Noorderkwartier, STOWA, Vitens and Waternet, the Hydro chip that can analyse dna structures and determine the quality of surface water
The development and demonstration of the Hydro chip takes place within the EU Life + programme. Use of the Hydro chip will manage surface water more efficient compared to the current method.
Pebble algae as indicator
Fast keys of the quality of surface water is therefore important. Pebble algae come in almost all waters off and the presence or absence of these algae is a good indicator of the quality of water.
The current way to investigate water quality is detecting Pebble algae in water samples using a microscope. This is a time-consuming and therefore an expensive job. The Hydro chip in.
Detect DNA
By DNA for various types of algae to detect Hydro can chip easily Pebble, prescribe those categories of siliceous algae are present in the water and translate this to the ecological state of the water.
To the Hydro chip in practical use is still further development needed, because the Hydro chip now can detect only a few groups Pebble algae. By using generic DNA technology can also in the future other relevant Hydro chip algae and bacteria (such as cyanobacteria).
The project Hydro chip takes place within the EU Life + demonstration program
About TNO
Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek or TNO (Dutch Organization for Applied Scientific Research) is a nonprofit organization in the Netherlands that focuses on applied science.
TNO is a knowledge organization for companies, government bodies and public organizations. The approximately 5,400 employees work to develop and apply knowledge. The organization also conducts contract research, offers specialist consulting services, and grants licences for patents and specialist software.
This news item was originally published on the website of TNO.
More information
TNO
Zeist, the Netherlands
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www.tno.nl