INGROUND: Evaluating an inexpensive biosensor to detect anthropogenic pollution in groundwater

The problem: The majority of the urban population in Africa uses on-site sanitation systems which pose a threat to groundwater quality and safety. The monitoring of water quality in such environments needs to be made easier and cheaper.

The approach: Design a prototype biosensor for testing and development in Tanzania.

Key findings: A biosensor has been designed and tested in the laboratory. Initial results are encouraging. The next step is to field-test the device.

Where? Tanzania

Consortium grant? No.

Principal Investigator: Dr Sharon Velasquez-Orta, Newcastle University

Research Team:

• David Werner, Newcastle University
• Claire Furlong, Newcastle University
• Shaaban Mgana, Ardhi University
• Nyamboge Chacha, Ardhi University

Research Organisations:

• Newcastle University – Grant NE/L002108/1
• Ardhi University

Find out more:

• • PDF summary:
    • IN-GROUND: Inexpensive monitoring of Groundwater pollution in Urban African Districts
    • IN-GROUND: un suivi à faible coût de la pollution des eaux souterraines dans les zones urbaines africaines
  • Velasquez-Orta SB, Werner D, Varia J, Mgana S. (2017) Microbial fuel cells for inexpensive continuous in-situ monitoring of groundwater quality. Water Research 2017, 117, 9-17. 
  • “Continuous monitoring of water quality using an in situ microbial fuel cell” by Dr Sharon Velazquez-Orta at International Conference on Geology, Mining, Mineral and Groundwater Resources, 11-13 July 2017, Livingstone, Zambia
  • Mgana, S. (2016) “Potentials of Inexpensive Microbial Fuel Cell In-situ Application in Groundwater Quality Monitoring in Urban Settlement – Tanzania : Field Experience” at 6th Africa Water Week, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania 
  • Velasquez Orta, S. (2015) “Academia contribution to WASHCase Study: Evaluating an inexpensive biosensor to detect anthropogenic pollution in river water and groundwater” at 2015 UN Water Annual Conference, Zaragoza
  • UPGro Catalyst Researcher recognised as a leading ‘Innovator under 35’ by MIT Technology Review