Optical Brightener Tracer for Rapid Water Pathogen Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting human-derived pathogens in water sources, particularly those associated with fecal matter, lack a rapid field test that can provide on-site results, making it difficult to identify point sources and mitigate pollution effectively.
Innovation Solution
A process involving solid phase extraction cartridges, optical brighteners, and fluorometric detection is used to collect, concentrate, and enhance fluorescence signals in water samples, allowing for the identification of human pathogens and fecal matter presence, even in the presence of naturally occurring fluorescing compounds, with optional filtration and storage in sunlight-resistant containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional pathogen detection methods are used, then detection capability is achieved, but rapid on-site results cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes optical brighteners as specific tracer compounds from laundry detergents to indicate human waste presence. By focusing on these extractable fluorescent compounds rather than attempting to detect all pathogens directly, the method achieves rapid detection through fluorescence measurement while simplifying the overall detection approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from direct pathogen identification to measuring fluorescence intensity as an indirect indicator. This parameter transformation enables rapid on-site detection since fluorescence can be measured quickly with simple equipment, bypassing complex pathogen cultivation and identification procedures.
2Measurement precision
If fluorescence detection is used to detect human pathogens, then detection capability is improved, but interference from naturally occurring fluorescing compounds reduces accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using solid phase extraction cartridges with specific adsorbent materials that selectively capture optical brighteners from the water sample. This localized selective extraction separates the target fluorescent compounds from interfering natural fluorescing substances, enabling accurate detection despite background interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical brighteners as intermediary tracer compounds that serve as proxies for human waste presence. These intermediaries provide strong, distinct fluorescence signals that can be detected above background interference, acting as mediators between the target analyte (human waste) and the detection method (fluorescence measurement).
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables rapid, on-site detection of human pathogens and fecal matter in water samples, aiding in identifying point sources and providing a cost-effective, selective method for determining the presence of contaminants in surface and subsurface water sources.
Implementation Method 1
A process involving solid phase extraction cartridges, optical brighteners, and fluorometric detection is used to collect, concentrate, and enhance fluorescence signals in water samples
Implementation Method 2
A process involving solid phase extraction cartridges, optical brighteners, and fluorometric detection is used to collect, concentrate, and enhance fluorescence signals in water samples
Data Source
AI summary
The present subject matter provides processes and kits for identifying the presence of waste water or human-derived pathogens, particularly those associated with the presence of human fecal matter, in surface or subsurface water sources.