An Automated and High-Throughput (HTP) Method for Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) Quantification

Abstract

Exposure to microbial contamination through drinking water is a major global health concern, therefore, it requires rapid detection equipment to maintain microbial stability at the tap. Currently, microbial quality is monitored through time-consuming laboratory methods which causes delayed response. This study demonstrates the development of an automated and high-throughput (HTP) method for the measurement of microbiological activity in water, through the quantification of cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The developed method was able to efficiently and accurately quantify cATP in raw water samples from treatment plants simultaneously. In addition, it proved to be 5x faster and as accurate (p= 0.911) as the Standard Test Method for Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) Content of Microorganisms in Water (ASTM D4012). This developed method has potential to represent a significant advancement for microbial monitoring and could benefit utilities interested in monitoring the biological activity of water, the health of biofilters, and the effectiveness of disinfection strategies.