In order to reduce the number of infections caused by viruses in water, researchers from the Center for Scientific Research of Yucatán (CICY) developed a quick, and cheap method to detect fecal contamination and water quality.
The procedure is carried out through viral indicators in the aquifer of the Yucatán Peninsula and could have important applications in the hotel industry and environmental consultants, said the institute. Cecilia Hernández Zepeda, director of the CICY Water Sciences Unit and who is also part of the research team, explained that this method was tested in cenotes (natural sinkholes).
It has also shown positive results in brackish water in the coast, where it was possible to detect different groups of viruses in water, mainly enteric viruses which can cause gastroenteritis. In order to verify the impact the project could have, the experts conducted several interviews that allowed to understand what improvements can be made so that it can be commercialized eventually.
“Through these interviews, we were able to detect new needs and changes that we had to apply to our technology. All this for the benefit of society, since it allows to prevent gastrointestinal diseases caused by contaminated water,” said Hernández Zepeda.
She explained that during the initial stage, the virus detection service was meant for the hotel industry, but according to the interviews they conducted, they realized that other potential users include the environmental consultants. The method is being tested at the laboratory, experts said.
Text: El Universal
