1. Hand Held Bacteria Sensor
Presented By: Mike Ballo
Additional Researcher: Shawn Strong
Advisors: Marcia Silva, Tom Hansen, and Rudi Strickler

2. The Problem
The current standard waterborne bacteria detection rate is slow and costly. For example, for E. coli detection, a sample must be shipped to a lab, cultivated, then analyzed. This process can take hours according to the EPA [1].
This provides a risk to the general population where bacteria could’ve contaminated a product or public access area before being detected.

3. The solution
Develop a hand-held bacteria sensor that utilizes digital inline holographic microscopy (DIHM) techniques to be able to detect and quantify the amount of E.coli or other pathogens on site.
The handheld sensor, which is the housing for the electronics. This is where the user introduces the water sample, which is pumped through a channel. A sensor takes photos of the water sample then are sent to the server via wifi.
The server is an independent entity from the handheld sensor, and is the source of the bacteria detection operations. The server receives the images, processes them, and returns the result to the user.

5. The Functionality

6. Testing Old, Incorrect, Non-linear Relationship
Linear Relationship Developed January 2017

7. Potential Markets Public Beaches/Parks: Health Departments:
Requires the sensor to be quick
Health Departments:
Requires the sensor to be accurate (EPA regulation for drinking water is 1 E coli particle/gallon).
Food Industry:
Requires the sensor to have multiple E. coli processing possibilities
Developing Nations:
Requires the sensor to be inexpensive

8. References
[1] Olstadt J, Schauer J J, Standridge J and Kluender S 2007 A comparison of ten USEPA approved total coliform/E. coli tests Journal of Water and Health