New microbial biosensor to assess water toxicity
Renewable biomethane generation system
September 1, 2016
Prototype of a new automatic threading machine
July 1, 2016September 2016
Innotex Center/CRIT has collaborated with researchers at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) and the National Microelectronics Centre (IMB-CNM) of the CSIC to develop a biosensor based on paper impregnated with bacteria to detect water toxicity. This innovative, simple, low-cost biological tool can detect a wide range of pollutants and is easy to use in contexts where there the budget is limited or in developing countries. The bioassay detects any pollutant that is toxic to microorganisms in the assay time (15-20 minutes), such as heavy metals and hydrocarbons such as petroleum or benzene.
Innotex Center/CRIT was responsible for preparing the samples of natural water and leachates from contaminated soils and for the assays. Toxicity was monitored using the bioluminescence assay and the Vibrio fischeri bacterium (Microtox® method) to validate the new system.
Related Projects
- The research group Barcelona Fluids & Energy Lab (IFLUIDS) and the Centre for Technological Innovation in Static Converters and Drives (CITCEA) of the UPC participate in the European project H-HOPE, which is focused on the development of solutions to produce clean energy based on water sources that have still not been exploited, such as pipes and water channels.
- Combining agricultural activity and the production of solar energy by means of photovoltaic panels is the aim of SYMBIOSYST, a project promoted by a consortium of 16 European partners including the UPC. As part of this project, technological tools will be developed to contribute to generating clean energy for the agricultural sector in Europe.
- The production of biogas through anaerobic digestion has been increasing exponentially in Europe in recent years. This is because it can be produced locally and has a clear positive effect on waste recycling, the generation of clean energy, sustainable development or climate action. In this context, the FertiLab project was launched, with the participation of researchers from the Department of Agri Food Engineering and Biotechnology (DEAB) of the UPC.
- The flexibility of electrical systems is fundamental in the process of energy transition towards more sustainable energy generation models. The European Commission promotes the development of solutions that respond to the challenges of managing electricity distribution networks in the future energy system based on renewable sources. An increasingly large proportion of fluctuating electricity generators, such as wind and solar systems, makes it difficult to calculate the loads that are being supplied.
