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| Photo courtesy of e! Science News |
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e! Science News reported today about a team of researchers at Spain's University of Burgos developing a technique for detecting the presence of Mercury in water samples using a thin membrane they previously developed and mobile phones. The membrane is placed in a water sample and reacts to the presence of Mercury. Photographs taken with a mobile phone can then reveal the concentrations of this extremely toxic metal. Mercury contamination poses a risk to public health since it accumulates in the brain and the kidneys and can cause long term neurological illnesses. One of the most common manners in which harmful Mercury can be introduced to humans is through the consumption of contaminated fish. This innovative mobile technology will certainly have an immediate application into efforts to combat these threats.
More suggested information:
Read e! Science News' blog post
Mercury Contamination in Water Can Be Detected With a Mobile Phone
Wisconsin Water Library's Recommended Reading List
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