ALERT-Ag++: An on-farm E. Coli analyzer for agricultural water quality monitoring

Simple monitoring tools for on-site irrigation water quality assessment are of utmost importance to determining its safety for agricultural (Ag) use. By developing an on-farm pathogen detection system for irrigation applications, more specifically, for measuring fecal contamination tracer bacteria in Ag water, the major goals of this USDA-NIFA SBIR project are: 1) To facilitate on-farm monitoring of the quality of surface water and groundwater resources used for Ag irrigation, which would provide early warning for E. Coli contamination, ensuring a safer food supply and potentially reducing the incidence of food-borne illness, and 2) To allow reinforced monitoring for nontraditional water sources such as treated wastewater.ALERT-Ag++ will adapt a previously developed rapid pathogen detection technology to the agricultural context, focused on Ag water quality monitoring. The initial prototypes will be developed for field-testing by select growers and water quality experts. The cloud data interface will be adapted for agricultural applications, with a data reporting and archival module designed to provide maximum value to growers' operational and regulatory reporting requirements. The project will also engage in side-by-side laboratory evaluation of the ALERT-Ag++ against approved methods, in preparation for its regulatory approval process.List of Objectives:Develop a disposable cartridge measurement conceptDesignconcept cartridge and testSelectmanufacturing technologyProduce prototypes for field testingDevelop an agriculture-specific simplified user interfaceCollect information about ideal interface features for growers (usability, data reports)Implement operational and compliance visualization modulesImplement data handling and archival moduleTest and optimizeManage side-by-side testing campaignsEnsure device availability for field deployment and proper operationTrain growers and academic research partners to equipment useCollect and centralize all dataPerform statistical analysis and calculate fit parametersAdjust and optimize according to the resultsPrepare for regulatory approvalDefine preliminary EPA test planManage initial measurement campaign with selected approved laboratory - Perform statistical analysis and calculate fit parametersIntegrate all feedback into finalized EPA test planSubmit test plan for EPA approval