BactiQuick

An AI-based early warning system for river catchment pollution
BactiQuick collecting river water samples at Bidwell Brook
Title: BactiQuick: A validation study of an innovative AI-based early warning system for river contamination utilising continuous monitoring data including a novel rapid bacterial screening device
Funding: Innovate UK (UKRI)
Duration: July 2024–Jan 2026
University of Plymouth staff: Professor Will Blake (PI); Professor Simon Jackson (Project Lead – MolEndoTech) 
Partners: MolEndoTech Ltd
UK waterways face significant pollution from untreated water. With incidents increasing year on year, water contaminated with faecal matter from sewer overflows, stormwater drains, farmland runoff or leaking septic tanks can lead to serious health issues for local swimmers, as well as damage to ecosystems and losses for the economy via closed bathing spots and fisheries.
While new regulation mandates all discharge points to be continuously monitored, current water quality testing methods for faecal pathogens rely on laboratory analysis, which requires highly trained technicians and takes several days for results to be available. In addition, not all pathogens can be detected in this way, leading to further potential health risks.

BactiQuick – AI-based early warning

Working with MolEndoTech Ltd, the University of Plymouth is developing an AI-based early warning system for detecting river contamination, through continuous monitoring data and a novel point-of-use bacterial assay device.
The BactiQuick project builds on patented technology and offers a rapid, portable solution for detecting pathogens in water, delivering results in just 15 minutes. This system, suitable for a wide range of water conditions, enables single-sample testing and can generate complex hydrological prediction models. BactiQuick integrates data from various open-access sources, operates with high specificity and sensitivity, and benefits from user-friendly digital features as well as cloud connection for enhanced data analysis.
Bacterisk+ system developed by Molendotech
BactiQuick uses technology developed from MolEndoTech's BacterisK+ system
Taking samples from Bidwell Brook as part of the BactiQuick project
Using the BactiQuick kit to take test samples at Bidwell Brook

A 'living laboratory' approach

This project aims to use the Bidwell Brook in the River Dart catchment as a 'living laboratory' to test and develop the BactiQuick system. Alongside this, a smartphone app will be produced to augment test results with GPS data and pictures. Combined with high-resolution flow and chemical analysis data, this will allow for the validation of a predictive model providing the local community with an early warning system.
This AI-based system could be developed into a UK-wide early warning system for river catchment pollution. This will not only allow water utilities to comply with regulation and react quickly but, with affordable cost per test, it also allows citizen scientists and community interest groups to draw and analyse samples and contribute to the overall dataset.

Expected outcomes

The BactiQuick project complements the UK's Net Zero Strategy through reduced transport (CO2), energy and plastic material use, and aligns with the Green Finance Strategy by representing an investable, sustainable technology solution for environmental challenges.
This research aligns with Defra's Outcome Indicator Framework and Plan for Water by enhancing water quality monitoring, directly contributing to goals of improved water ecosystems.
The BactiQuick project will: 
  • Strengthen a partnership between the private sector and academia, detailing a clear go-to-market plan, and evidencing demand.
  • Develop novel sensing capability by augmenting an existing and validated system to address increased demand in an overlooked niche.
  • Deliver low-cost, near real-time measurement of water quality by allowing single-sample analysis on-site from land.
  • Improve monitoring accuracy and reduce time delays by enabling citizen scientists and community groups to monitor and report water quality parameters.
  • Inform the development of a river catchment early warning system across the UK.

Brixham Laboratory

The Brixham Laboratory was taken on by the University in 2014 and has been transformed into a hub for local, national and international businesses.
It is home to a wide variety of small and medium-sized organisations across the marine, photonics, business services and charity sectors, including MolEndoTech, developers of BacterisK+ and BactiQuick. 
Brixham Lab

Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research

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