4Deep Inwater Imaging is developing the world's first underwater microscope that can detect algae outbreaks before these can spread into toxic blooms. The prototype is set to become a standard monitoring instrument to analyze water quality.
The device can detect signals of fluorescence from harmful algae before the fully-grown blooms appear. Early detection is vital not just for public health but also for fishery and aquaculture, among other sectors where water quality is crucial.
"There are certainly good applications in aquaculture, in shellfish industries and water municipalities - just general drinking water monitoring," says Stephen Jones, 4Deep CEO.
The underwater microscope had gone through both laboratory and underwater testing before the prototype was made. The Halifax-based company plans to commercialize and export the device in the latter part of the year.
The Government of Canada is investing a $500,000 cash grant in the project through the business development program of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
"With applications in oceanography, oil and gas, biomedical, manufacturing and more, 4Deep Inwater Imaging is creating solutions for a broad cross-section of industries locally and globally," says Halifax Member of Parliament Andy Fillmore.
4Deep has developed other specialized microscopes for a variety of environments and applications. One of these is a submersible microscope that allows users to easily and quickly analyze microorganisms and particles up to 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) below the surface.
Jones expects that the demand for the new underwater microscope will increase as massive algae blooms around the world ruin oceans and waterways. He stresses that the worldwide algae outbreaks for the past half-decade have increased, not just in severity and frequency but geographically as well.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, climate change can increase the frequency of toxic algae blooms. The increasing warm waters and high nutrient levels enable algae to grow, multiply faster and create the so-called blooms.
The algae blooms block sunlight and deplete oxygen that aquatic organisms need. This affects the growth and survival of other aquatic organisms.
Algae species such as the red and golden algae and several cyanobacteria types can become toxic and affect not just aquatic wildlife but also humans. This toxicity can cause damage to the nervous system and liver.
Photo: U.S. Geological Survey | Flickr
