CEBEDEAU, a key partner in the EU-funded ToDrinQ project, presented a significant technological advancement in water safety at the 22nd IWA Health-Related Water Microbiology conference (#WaterMicro25) this past week. Researcher Hetty Klein Jan showcased a portable crossflow membrane filtration device designed to rapidly and efficiently concentrate bacteria in water samples.
The innovation addresses a critical challenge in public health: the need for fast and accurate assessment of microbiological risks in drinking water. The portable device, developed within the ToDrinQ framework, improves cell recovery efficiency and concentration factors while crucially preserving cell integrity. This ensures that subsequent analyses provide a more precise and reliable picture of water quality.
The presentation took place at the prestigious WaterMicro25 conference, a global gathering of the water microbiology community organized by the IWA Specialist Group with support from KWR Water Research Institute, RIVM, Utrecht University, and STOWA. The event focuses on vital topics such as wastewater-based epidemiology, emerging pathogens, and One Health approaches.
The device’s portability marks a genuine breakthrough, enabling more flexible and rapid-response testing directly in the field, which can be crucial during potential contamination events.
