Project Leaders: Dr Belinda Ferrari (Macquarie, UNSW) and Dr. Will Ditcham (Murdoch)

Project Advisors: Prof. Peter Bergquist (Macquarie) and Prof. Goen Ho (Murdoch)

Researchers: Dr Anwar Sunna, Dr. Niina Tujula (Macquarie), Dr. Lucy Skillman (Murdoch)

PhD Students: Mr Quach Truong, Ms. Anitha Alagappan, Mr Jamal al Tebrineh, Ms Raliza Alexova (Macquarie); Mr. Michael Banazis, Mr Rob Steuart, Ms Linda Davies (Murdoch)

Linkages: Macquarie University; Murdoch University, UNSW, Meat and Livestock Australia, Ecowise Environmental, City West Water, Zeolite Australia

The project will develop a simple, rapid system to detect microbial pathogens in the environment. The prototype system will be able to detect e.coli in water in the first instance followed by Cyanobacterial toxins and Legionella.

The aim is to produce a cost effective test that can provide a qualitative output for non-trained workers in the field. In the first instance the technology will detect multiple target micro-organisms from large volumes of recreational, drinking and industrial water. Future applications will allow access to other markets such as the food industry.