Waterborne pathogens affect all waters globally and proceed to be an ongoing concern. Previous methods for detection of pathogens consist of a high test time and a high sample consumption, but they are very expensive and require specialist operators. This study aims to develop a monitoring system capable of identifying waterborne pathogens with particular characteristics using a microfluidic device, optical imaging and a classification algorithm to provide low-cost and portable solutions. This paper investigates the detection of small size microbeads (1–5 µm) from a measured water sample by using a cost-effective microscopic camera and computational algorithms. Results provide areas of opportunities to decrease sample consumption, reduce testing time and minimize the use of expensive equipment.

Waterborne pathogens affect all waters globally and proceed to be a ongoing concern. The act to provide clean water by filtration is effective although has concerns. Previous methods for detection and removal of pathogens consist of a high test time, a high sample consumption, very expensive and require specialist operators. This paper investigates the design of an active microfluidic technology to prototype a smart monitoring system to detect waterborne pathogen movement. Results provide areas of opportunities to fabricate microchannels with a high recovery rate (88%) to embedded sensors e.g. optical fiber sensors to detect pathogens at certain flow rates. Major advantages defeat drawbacks by reducing test time and sample consumption whilst being less expensive.