In this project, DMR is developing a battery-powered intelligent sampling device for automated sampling.
There are several automatic water samplers on the market today. However, there are no automatic ones, which can concentrate DNA from the water and preserve it on site so that the sample is ready for DNA analysis. It is necessary that the samples can be preserved immediately after they have been taken, to avoid degradation of DNA. The environmental sampler will be able to be controlled/programmed so that the samples are taken during certain conditions. Virtually all types of sensors will be able to be connected so that samples can be taken “event-specific“ For example, on registration of overflows from sewers and/or on the basis of physical/chemical parameters that are measured in the water body. There is also a built-in option for samples to be taken from different locations. It will thus be possible to take a sample both upstream and downstream a point discharge, precisely when the discharge is active or when the discharge reaches a certain level.
The sampler is modularly constructed so that it can also be used for other focus areas such as nutrients, microplastics or bacteria. Different sensors are built in, which are used to check whether a sample has been taken out and preserved correctly. Therefore, it is quickly discovered if the planned sample for some reason has failed. Especially with longer time series, a lot of time can be saved, if problems are detected immediately and not first when all samples are collected, which can be several weeks later.
