Water Quality Probe With Optical Sensing for Fecal Coliform Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water quality evaluation systems face challenges in providing real-time, affordable, and efficient detection of microbial contamination, particularly fecal coliforms, due to the need for laboratory analysis and the limitations of existing sensors and methods.
Innovation Solution
A water quality probe system equipped with sensors, geolocation, and processing circuitry that utilizes machine learning models to analyze water characteristics and geographical location for real-time determination of fecal coliform and fluoride content, enabling on-site and cost-effective assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional laboratory analysis methods are used to detect fecal coliforms, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/laboratory-based fecal coliform detection methods with an optical sensor system that uses light absorption characteristics at specific wavelengths (450nm, 520nm, 600nm) to detect and quantify fecal coliform presence in real-time, eliminating the need for time-consuming laboratory culturing and analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from traditional culture-based methods to optical absorption measurements at multiple wavelengths, allowing rapid determination of fecal coliform concentrations based on light interaction with bacterial cells in the water sample
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive water quality analysis is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional probe system that simultaneously measures multiple water quality parameters (turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, conductivity) using a single integrated device, eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments and simplifying the overall system while maintaining comprehensive assessment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the water quality analysis into distinct measurable parameters, each detected by a dedicated sensor module within the probe, allowing independent optimization of each measurement while maintaining system integration and reducing overall complexity
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
Enables timely and accurate detection of fecal coliform and fluoride levels in water, supporting proactive risk management and public health safety by providing rapid, on-site analysis without the need for laboratory processing.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor configured to measure light absorption by the water sample at 450 nanometers, 520 nanometers, and 600 nanometers
Implementation Method 2
a pH sensor configured to measure a pH of the water sample
Implementation Method 3
a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the water sample
Implementation Method 4
a conductivity sensor configured to measure a conductivity of the water sample
Implementation Method 5
a turbidity sensor configured to measure a turbidity of the water sample
Implementation Method 6
a dissolved oxygen sensor configured to measure a dissolved oxygen of the water sample
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a water quality probe system, the system comprising: one or more water contact sensors; a geolocation unit; a processing circuitry (PC), operably connected to the one or more water contact sensors and to the geolocation unit, the PC being configurable to: receive, from one or more of the water contact sensors, data indicative of one or more water characteristics sensed from contacted water; receive, from the geolocation unit, data indicative of a current geographical location; and determine data indicative of whether the contacted water satisfies one or more water quality criteria, utilizing, at least, the received sensed water characteristics and the current geographical location.