Water monitoring
For this, they combined several different tracer techniques, namely the analysis of helium isotopes (to identify deep water enriched with mantle gases), vanadium (to identify deep water with its long and deep flow path), and microbial eDNA (Extracellular DNA) to identify extremophile microbes adapted to life at considerable depths/pressures. With these measurements, they could identify springs and shallow wells that received substantial deep groundwater inflow. Some of the wells most affected by deep groundwater were the larger wells used for drinking water.
Prof. Schilling adds: “As this is one of Japan’s most active seismic regions, we expect seasonal variations in deep groundwater upwelling and changes associated with seismic events such as earthquakes. For this purpose, we employ online flow cytometry alongside online dissolved (noble) gas measurements. “We continuously monitor the changes in the microbial composition in the drinking water well with BactoSense. We also conduct repeated spatial measurement campaigns where we sample different springs and wells for many hydrological tracers, including microbial eDNA. The eDNA samples are then analysed on
BactoSense via next- generation sequencing to match the flow cytometry fingerprints to metagenomic/ phylogenetic information.”
He continues: “So far, we have had a great experience with BactoSense. It is robust and transportable. With BactoSense’s continuous microbial monitoring, the team can detect deep groundwater pulses after earthquakes.
“We particularly like the ability to control the instrument remotely. It was set up in the drinking water well house within one day of work and has been running smoothly ever since. It is a good model for other volcanic
islands and coastal volcanic regions. Such systems are still seldom studied in hydrogeological terms. Our findings will help to develop monitoring techniques and protocols critical for sustainable and resilient
drinking water management in volcanic areas. The project shows how real-time microbial insight can protect critical water sources in complex geology worldwide.”
bNovate
www.bnovate.com
Instrumentation Monthly November 2025
61
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73
