Fluoride: biosensors change the way water contamination is detected

Photo: a family in rural Kenya field test the point-of-use fluoride biosensors. Credit: Janet Barsolai

Scientists from Northwestern University have collaborated on the implementation of an accurate, low-cost and easy-to-use test for detecting toxic levels of fluoride in water.

The new biosensor device developed at Northwestern has been field tested in rural Kenya, providing evidence that water testing for fluoride can be easily used outside of a lab and accurately interpreted by non-experts.

Worldwide, it is estimated that tens of millions of people live in areas where the water supply is contaminated with toxic levels of naturally occurring fluoride, a colorless, odorless and tasteless substance. The scale of the issue has been difficult to measure because of the high cost or complexity of available testing options.

A major step toward addressing global health concerns over access to safe drinking water, the new proven testing method is the result of a rare collaboration between researchers in the fields of anthropology and synthetic biology.

Study findings will be published by npj Clean Water on Feb. 8, 2023.

The study was co-led by Northwestern anthropologist Sera Young and synthetic biologist Julius Lucks. Young is an associate professor of anthropology and global […]

Full article: Biosensors change the way water contamination is detected