SAMS news room

Rayne Longhurst, Engineering Research Fellow at The Robert Gordon University (RGU), is to present a keynote speech on innovative research into water pollution detection at the prestigious Oceanology International 2004 conference in London on Wednesday 17 March.

The new technology was developed by the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) in conjunction with The Robert Gordon University to ensure compliance with European water quality directives and establish Scotland as a leader in environmental monitoring techniques.

The technology is based on a new type of chemical sensor called MIPs (Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Sensors). Polymers are imprinted with a desired target substance such as caffeine, which is a good indicator of sewage contamination. The caffeine is washed out leaving caffeine molecule shaped holes in the polymer. When the sensor is deployed in the environment, these holes act as highly specific binding sites for caffeine indicating the presence of sewage. Mr David Meldrum of SAMS explained the importance of the technology.

“New European environmental directives require enforcement agencies and operators, such as sewage treatment facilities and marinas, to know with a high degree of accuracy the level of contaminants on their sites. In addition, many businesses need to improve their quality assurance procedures for specific industrial applications and require highly specific sensors to monitor their operations. MIPS will provide the solution.”

Oceanology International attracts a worldwide renowned audience of policy makers, industrialists, government representatives, decision makers, researchers, directors, managers and manufacturers involved in every aspect of oceanography. They will address the present and future trends of the industry and to view the launch of new technologies, equipment and services.

For further information please contact:
Gail Haddock, Robert Gordon University
David Meldrum or Anuschka Miller, SAMS