Technology to provide continuous monitoring services of inland and coastal waters with the use of bioindication organisms

Abstract

As part of the implemented project, a new technology was developed that allows for the provision of continuous monitoring services of inland and coastal waters with the use of bioindication organisms. The use of organisms as bioindicators is not a new topic, but many of the systems on offer are either very simple or require frequent maintenance. The proposed technology allows for the construction of cheap, floating, fully automatic water biomonitoring stations using various species of mussels, both fresh and saltwater. Contamination of water used for food purposes and on farms is a major contributor to increased mortality, growth retardation and disturbance and physiological functions, changes in DNA (genotoxicity), changes in tissues (cytotoxicity) and organs of individuals exposed to chemical compounds. One of the most dangerous classes of toxins affecting animals and humans in contact with contaminated water are cyanotoxins released by dying cyanobacteria. They contribute to serious medical conditions as well as fatal events. This type of toxin is relatively difficult to detect due to the seasonal variability of blooming. One of the effective and automatic methods of detecting water contamination in continuous mode is biomonitoring with the use of Dreissena polymorpha mussels.