Background
When algae grows rapidly and excessively, it is called a “bloom.” Algal blooms can produce toxins invisible to the naked eye. These blooms are harmful because the highly potent toxins of some algae species can cause direct harm to people, animals, fish, and ecosystems. They can also cause indirect harm, such as when blooms decompose and remove oxygen from the water (hypoxia), suffocating fish and other aquatic life. HABs can occur not only in freshwater, but in marine ecosystems as well.
HAB toxins can contaminate drinking water, cause skin and respiratory irritation, and even lead to illness or death after eating contaminated seafood. They can be fatal to pets, livestock, and dry-land wildlife, and decimate fish populations. Because of the multifaceted nature of the harm caused by HABs, there is a massive opportunity for companies who want to partner with technical experts to help communities and local industries solve the challenges HABs present.
Summary of the Invention
BloomSCOPE is a microscope system designed to quickly detect and identify harmful algae in water. BloomSCOPE uses low-cost hardware to attach smartphones to compound teaching microscopes, and advanced artificial intelligence/machine learning allows BloomSCOPE to use video and high-resolution still images to find algal cells in samples of water.
Licensing Information
NOAA is seeking qualified licensees to manufacture and sell this technology, which is patent pending in the United States. Interested parties should contact the NOAA TPO at noaa.t2@noaa.gov for more information.