Can you use sentinel oysters and other mollusks to track water quality near your cities, beaches, or the Great Barrier Reef?
Actually … yes.
In this episode of TechFirst, I chat with the CEO of Molloscan, a company focused on bio-monitoring and protection of marine environments using live shellfish. The company uses aquatic bivalves, such as oysters, mussels, or clams to monitor the environment. These mollusks, which are filter feeders, react to changes in water conditions, helping to detect pollution and other disruptions in water quality.
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Summary of our chat
(This is an AI-generated summary of our chat.)
In recent years, the importance of protecting our environment has become increasingly evident. As we strive to preserve our planet’s delicate ecosystems, scientists have turned to innovative methods to gather crucial information about our surroundings. One such groundbreaking technique is biomonitoring, a process that utilizes living organisms to assess the quality of water.
Mollusks, such as oysters and clams, have long been recognized as biofilters as they play a crucial role in filtering water. These organisms have the ability to detect and react to changes in their environment, making them ideal candidates for studying and monitoring water quality. Molluscan, a company dedicated to the field of biomonitoring, has harnessed the power of these remarkable mollusks to develop a unique and non-invasive method of environmental monitoring.
The founders of Molluscan embarked on an extensive research journey spanning over two decades to understand the behavior of mollusks in water. Through the use of micro electrodes that measure the precise movements of the animals, Molluscan developed a device capable of comprehensively observing these creatures without causing any harm or disturbance. This breakthrough technology enables researchers to study a wide range of physiological parameters, including growth patterns, stress levels, and reactions to pollution.
Molluscan’s monitoring system involves placing a group of 16 mollusks equipped with sensors in the water. These sensors, connected to an electronic box, continuously record and transmit data to a surface device via GSM technology. The collected information is then analyzed and compared to predetermined patterns of normal behavior. Molo scan provides users with a scale of water quality, offering a continuous follow-up of the monitoring process. Additionally, in case of pollution, the system sends real-time alerts, allowing prompt response and proactive measures to be taken.
One of the key advantages of Molo scan’s method is its precision. The sensors attached to mollusks can detect pollution at concentrations lower than those visible in routine lab tests. Furthermore, the longevity of Molo scan’s monitoring devices is impressive, with records showing a lifespan of up to three years and nine months without requiring any intervention.
In terms of cost-effectiveness, the Molluscan system offers a significant advantage. While the initial investment may be higher compared to traditional testing methods, the continuous and real-time monitoring capabilities of this system justify the expense. In addition, early detection of water contamination helps prevent expensive environmental cleanup efforts in the long run. By proactively addressing pollution, we can minimize the impact on both ecosystems and human health.
While Molo scan’s focus has primarily been on marine environments, one intriguing question arises: can this monitoring technique be applied in other biomes? The answer may lie in finding suitable organisms that exhibit similar non-movement behavior, simplicity of study, and relevance to their respective habitats. While replicating the success of mollusk-based biomonitoring in other ecosystems may be challenging, it opens up possibilities for exploring alternative methods of environmental monitoring.
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The TechFirst with John Koetsier podcast is about tech that is changing the world, including wearable tech, and innovators who are shaping the future. Guests include former Apple CEO John Scully. The head of Facebook gaming. Amazon’s head of robotics. GitHub’s CTO. Twitter’s chief information security officer, and much more. Scientists inventing smart contact lenses. Startup entrepreneurs. Google executives. Former Microsoft CTO Nathan Myhrvold. And much, much more.
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