ID :
80834
Sun, 09/20/2009 - 23:05
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/80834
The shortlink copeid
Locally developed water test wins ISO recognition
SEOUL, Sept. 20 (Yonhap) -- A locally developed water toxin test using common
green laver has won recognition by the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO), the government said Sunday.
The new method developed by Han Tae-jun at the University of Incheon is simple to
use, cheap to make and can carry out a wide range of water quality assessments,
the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) said.
"Recognition was gained after it was proven that green laver as a medium has
superior detection capabilities and reliability compared to existing methods that
employ microtox, water fleas, micro algae and fish," said a government official.
While green laver is a common ingredient in local cuisine, due to its sensitivity
to various toxins and pollutants it can also be used to test for toxicity levels
in water. In clean water the seaweed changes color in a set period of time, while
in polluted water this process is extended over a longer duration.
The official said that in addition to gaining accepted by the ISO/TC147, the
technical committee of the international standard organization that covers water
quality recognition, the green laver test has been introduced as a viable new
technology by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
"A simple test kit has been made by Han's team which can be used to check sea
water, drain water, sewers, sludge, and water from treatment facilities," he
said.
KATS, meanwhile, said that with the kit an individual with less than 10 minutes
of prior experience can check for a wide range of toxins in about three hours
without the need for expensive laboratory equipment.
Toxins that can be checked using the kit include cadmium, lead, arsenic, mercury,
defoliants, asetone, phenol, chloroform, hydrogen peroxide and oil.
The agency under the Ministry of Knowledge Economy said the new kit could find
ready markets in developing countries where high-tech detection devices are
unavailable.
In 2010, the size of the global water testing market is forecast to reach US$46
billion.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)
green laver has won recognition by the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO), the government said Sunday.
The new method developed by Han Tae-jun at the University of Incheon is simple to
use, cheap to make and can carry out a wide range of water quality assessments,
the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) said.
"Recognition was gained after it was proven that green laver as a medium has
superior detection capabilities and reliability compared to existing methods that
employ microtox, water fleas, micro algae and fish," said a government official.
While green laver is a common ingredient in local cuisine, due to its sensitivity
to various toxins and pollutants it can also be used to test for toxicity levels
in water. In clean water the seaweed changes color in a set period of time, while
in polluted water this process is extended over a longer duration.
The official said that in addition to gaining accepted by the ISO/TC147, the
technical committee of the international standard organization that covers water
quality recognition, the green laver test has been introduced as a viable new
technology by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
"A simple test kit has been made by Han's team which can be used to check sea
water, drain water, sewers, sludge, and water from treatment facilities," he
said.
KATS, meanwhile, said that with the kit an individual with less than 10 minutes
of prior experience can check for a wide range of toxins in about three hours
without the need for expensive laboratory equipment.
Toxins that can be checked using the kit include cadmium, lead, arsenic, mercury,
defoliants, asetone, phenol, chloroform, hydrogen peroxide and oil.
The agency under the Ministry of Knowledge Economy said the new kit could find
ready markets in developing countries where high-tech detection devices are
unavailable.
In 2010, the size of the global water testing market is forecast to reach US$46
billion.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)
