Innovations in water technologies - including one that promises to offer better detection of bacteria like the E coli currently wreaking havoc in Europe - are set to be presented next week at the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW).
They will be part of the inaugural Water Innovations, a showcase of the latest research and development efforts spawned in Singapore.
While the conventional method of extracting water-borne pathogens - like E coli - can take 24 hours, Fluigen has developed an analyser that can detect such pathogens in just an hour.
The machine combines the functions of a filter with a genetic analyser and its membrane can be tailored according to the size of a virus, bacteria or parasite.
Fluigen director Thomas Gong said his Integrated Gene Analyzer could replace existing laboratory work, which would be especially useful in the event of an outbreak.
“We can make 100 pieces, or 1,000 pieces to deploy into many countries and many cities, to carry out the monitoring of a large number of samples,” said Associate Professor Gong.
Another innovation that will feature: A sensor to monitor the integrity of membranes used in water treatment plants.
Conventional technology to test membranes now use light-based techniques, which can disrupt a plant’s operation.
But Membranes Instruments and Technology general manager Adrian Yeo said its sensor uses a filtration-based technique, which is cheaper and more accurate. The sensor has been installed for six months in Bedok Waterworks and he is confident it can do the job “effectively”.
Dr Yeo, whose first water technology venture had failed, hopes to raise up to S$2 million at the SIWW’s TechXchange platform, which promotes the commercialisation of such R&D efforts.
Five innovations will be showcased at the TechXchange, as the SIWW brings together policy-makers and industry players in water technology from around the world for the fourth time.
