A University of Plymouth spinout company has created a smartphone app that can detect E. coli in water, a development that could revolutionise water quality monitoring in the UK and the US. The app, developed by Molendotech, uses the phone's camera to analyse water samples and provide results within minutes, according to the company.
How the app works
The app works by using a chemical reagent that changes colour in the presence of E. coli. Users simply dip a test strip into a water sample, then take a photo of the strip with their smartphone. The app then analyses the colour change and provides a reading, indicating whether the water is contaminated.
This technology is designed to be used by both professionals and the public, offering a low-cost alternative to traditional laboratory testing. The company claims that the app can detect E. coli at levels as low as one colony-forming unit per 100 millilitres, which is the standard threshold for safe drinking water.
Expansion to the US
Molendotech has already secured contracts with several UK water companies and is now expanding into the US market. The company has partnered with a US-based water testing firm to distribute the app and test kits across the country. This expansion comes at a time when water quality concerns are high, particularly after recent contamination incidents in the US.
The app has been validated in trials against standard laboratory methods, with a reported accuracy of over 95%. This has helped the company gain credibility and attract investment, including a recent funding round that raised £1.5 million.
Impact on water safety
According to Dr. Sarah Johnson, CEO of Molendotech, the app has the potential to make water testing more accessible and frequent. 'We believe this technology can empower communities to monitor their own water sources and respond quickly to contamination risks,' she said. 'Our goal is to make water quality testing as simple as taking a selfie.'
The company is also working on developing similar tests for other pathogens, including Legionella and Cryptosporidium, which could further enhance public health protection. The initial focus, however, remains on E. coli, which is a common indicator of faecal contamination and a significant cause of waterborne illness worldwide.
