Currently, over 1 billion people lack reliable access to clean water and the World Health Organization states that 400 million people are affected by severe freshwater shortages, which is expected to balloon to 4 billion people by 2050. Today, waterborne enteric diseases cause the death of 5 million people annually.
In November 2010, 27,000 inhabitants of Östersund, Sweden, were affected by a waterborne outbreak of cryptosporidiosis. North America is not immune to infected drinking water. Milwaukee experienced a severe Cryptosporidium protozoa contamination in 1993 in which 403,000 people were made ill and 100 died. More recently, Walkerton Canada was faced with water contamination of E. coli bacteria in 2001 that made 3,000 people ill and killed 7. The total cost of outbreak-associated illness in Milwaukee was almost 100 million US dollars, and the total cost of damages caused by waterborne transmitted enteric diseases is estimated at several billion US dollars annually.
Currently regulated testing of microbial safety relies on monitoring for indicator microorganisms based on past assumptions of considerably high correlation with the presence of the real pathogens. However, numerous recent studies have concluded that there is a poor correlation and the near future regulations will address this issue by mandating testing for multiple and specific microorganisms. Presently suggested approaches are limited by expensive, manually operated equipment, employ tedious procedures that are not suitable for routine monitoring or rapid response to water contamination and are specific to one organism. It is imperative that water-testing technology be affordable, effective and easy to use to counteract the increasing threat to clean water.
Centrifon BEM3
Centrifon has developed a continuous flow centrifugation methodology that allows for the concurrent concentration and processing of protozoa, bacteria, and viruses from large volumes of liquids of any medium. The Bio Elutriation Model 3 (BEM3) is a portable device that automates this methodology, providing a simple, robust, cost effective platform that requires little to no amount of technical knowledge to operate.
Centrifon's approach represents a significant advance in waterborne pathogen monitoring, greatly assisting water utilities and public health authorities as well as other industry sectors (food, beverages, homeland security) all of which require rapid results for microbial quality and water safety
Key Features
The BEM3 is a portable, automated device which employs continuous flow centrifugation to simultaneously concentrate multiple pathogens from large volume liquid samples of any matrix. Unlike traditional filtration components, clogging is non-existent, allowing up to 1000L samples to be processed.
Simultaneous Concentration
Concurrent testing for bacteria, protozoa and viruses saves time and materials.
Automated, Self-Contained Operation
The concentration and elution processes are completely automated and self contained in disposable sets, eliminating virtually all manual labor and decontamination from the procedure.
Portability
With a small footprint (30cm x 33cm x 40cm) and light weight (10kg) the BEM3 is legitimately portable. The optional transportation cart comes with a rechargeable battery pack enabling long-term field operation.
EPA Method 1623 Approved
Approved by the EPA for Method 1623, detection of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in water. Currently under EPA Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) and Alternative Test Procedure (ATP) evaluation for multiple pathogen concentration.
Compatibility
Concentrate from the process is compatible with any detection method.
Sophisticated Digital Control
The programmable logic computer (PLC) of the BEM3 provides user flexibility and simplifies operation. Preset protocols are stored and custom programs can be easily created.
Internet Connectivity
Remote operation, programming and technical diagnostics at any location with internet access.
Green Technology
The BEM3 consumes less disposables and reagents compared to traditional monitoring methods.