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Review of technologies for the rapid detection of chemical and biological contaminants in drinking water
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Review of technologies for the rapid detection of chemical and biological contaminants in drinking water

ERNCIP chemical and biological risks to drinking water Thematic Group

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In the event of potentially intentional contamination of drinking water, the risk to public health must be minimised, which requires confirmation of contamination and, if possible, identification of the contaminant. A crucial step is to determine the type of contaminant as rapidly as possible. This review, developed within the framework of guidance for the production of a water security plan (Teixeira et al., 2019), aims to help water utilities, laboratories and other stakeholders improve their capacities to analyse and identify unknown contaminants in drinking water. An explanation of sampling procedures in emergency situations is given, followed by a proposed approach to the use of non-targeted technologies to determine both toxicity and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels. A toxicity analysis quickly detects toxic chemical contaminants, while measuring the ATP gives a first indication of any contamination by microorganisms. The non-targeted technologies for determining toxicity and ATP in water that qualify for use in emergency response – i.e. that are quick to respond, reliable and easy-to-operate are now available on the market, and could be adopted by most drinking-water utilities and/or laboratories, along with establishing appropriate sampling capabilities. The next step – identifying the contaminant – requires the application of targeted rapid analysis technologies such as immunoassay-based, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing technologies, and field analysis by gas chromatography (GC/MS). These targeted technologies are based on tests available on the market, with a focus on rapidness and reliability of results. The commercially available analytical tools and methodologies for detecting and identifying a chemical or biological contaminant are reviewed through a detailed description of the equipment involved, including the technologies, equipment prices, testing costs, time needed to obtain a result, manufacturers, and the shelf life of the reagents. Information is also provided on proficiency tests that give external quality control of the analytical process analysis of unknown contamination events in drinking water in emergencies situations. To assist utilities and laboratories in their consideration and selection of targeted and non-targeted technologies, an approach to identifying water contaminants in emergency situations is proposed, comprising a series of analytical steps to be adapted by each water utility in line with its business goals and risk assessment. This review of analytical technologies aims to support water utilities, laboratories, health authorities and other stakeholders in planning responses to emergency events in drinking-water quality, and in particular to enhance the rapid identification of unknown water contaminants. An assessment of these technologies, within the framework of a water security plan, along with appropriate planning and protection measures, will enable water utilities to better respond to unexpected contamination of drinking water
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