The RMMD provides quantitative indication of the presence of multiple waterborne pathogenic bacteria and fungi simultaneously within 60 minutes of sampling, with minimal consumable hardware. The RMMD reduces crew time by eliminating the need to unstow, check, and restow a test kit after 2 days, and again after 5 days. Unlike the Water Microbiology Kit (WMK), there is no need for a syringe of growth media, and the RMMD microbial capture device is smaller and lighter than that of the WMK. Another advantage of the rapid test is that if an infection is suspected in space, potential sources can be tested, and results determined quickly, so additional infections can be avoided. This technology can be used on the ISS and on future long-duration spaceflight missions. The combined goals of this proposal will have a significant impact on terrestrial water quality management and on current diagnostic capability for detection of waterborne disease, especially in areas that are currently not well served. Enhanced access to in-the-field diagnosis of locally relevant diseases will improve sanitation among populations in resource-limited settings. The technology will also promote better understanding of the epidemiology of emerging zoonotic and pandemic pathogens in real-time, will significantly reduce the response time to serious outbreaks, and could help combat any potential future biological threats. The military can use the product for water testing in remote or resource limited environments. RMMD technology can be used for surface water quality testing for research and surveillance. In the area of potable water monitoring for pathogenic bacteria and fungi, the rapid turn-around time offered by the RMMD approach provides a benefit to the consumers wishing to quickly test samples for real estate, new well, and new construction applications. In addition, RMMD technology can be used for water quality assessment for aquaculture, an industry that provides the primary protein source for approximately one billion people. Production and food safety of all species are dramatically impacted by water quality.
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