AWWA WSC61398

Biological monitors represent an emerging technology for securing the safety of the nation's drinking water. Biological monitors utilize living organisms as sensors to detect the presence of toxic materials. A few of these systems have emerged into the arena of applied science. In order for these technologies to reduce the risk of contamination of water supplies and/or distribution systems, they must posses a number of characteristics that reflect their reliability, while accommodating the end users. The characteristics necessary for this technology's extensive use as an automated and real time water quality monitoring system include reliability, sensitivity, cost, and ease of use. This paper provides a discussion of some of the emerging technologies. The primary focus is on the technology, development and applications of one specific fish monitoring system called BioSensor®. Includes 13 references, table, figures.