What is the ToxMate Project?
ToxMate is a cutting-edge detection station designed to monitor micropollutants in water—right on-site and in real time. Whether it’s urban wastewater, industrial effluents, or drinking water treatment plants, ToxMate keeps a constant eye on water quality. Tested and proven in actual wastewater treatment plants, its user-friendly design and autonomy make it a go-to solution for continuous water quality control. In short, it’s biosurveillance made smart, practical, and reliable.
Main Benefits of ToxMate
Here’s what makes ToxMate stand out:
- Continuous monitoring of water flow, 24/7.
- Immediate detection of micropollutants at ultra-low concentrations (in the μg/L range, measured by the minute).
- High sensitivity to cocktail effects—meaning it can detect complex mixtures of pollutants, not just single substances.
- Alerts delivered within minutes after a chemical contamination event.
- Online monitoring available through secure access, making data easy to check anytime, anywhere.
- Data processed instantly for clear, actionable insights.
Why Micropollutants Matter
Micropollutants might be invisible to the naked eye, but their impact is anything but. These tiny chemical substances come from everyday products—cosmetics, detergents, solvents, medications—and find their way into water systems. Over 200,000 different molecules have been identified, many of which are endocrine disruptors linked to the disappearance of aquatic species every decade. Detecting these substances is tricky because they’re present in minuscule amounts. Traditional physico-chemical analyses fall short—they’re costly, slow, and only spot a limited number of molecules. That’s where biosurveillance steps in, offering a fast, reliable, and continuous way to spot harmful effects caused by micropollutants.
How ToxMate Works: Real-Time Biodection
Unlike conventional tools that use fish like trout or minnows, ToxMate employs three species of aquatic invertebrates—gammarus, radix, and leeches. These little creatures react to a broad range of toxic substances, making them excellent bio-indicators of water pollution. On-site tests have shown ToxMate’s ability to detect “cocktail effects” and chemical recombinations that physico-chemical sensors often miss. So, it’s not just about spotting pollutants—it’s about understanding their real impact on living organisms, in real time.
Development and Partnerships Behind ToxMate
ToxMate is the brainchild of ViewPoint, a company specialized in video image processing for medical and environmental research. Developed in partnership with Inrae Lyon, it also enjoys support from AERMC, the European Union, and the Rhône-Alpes Region. This collaboration ensures that ToxMate stays at the forefront of biosurveillance technology. It’s already been put to use by major players like Veolia, Suez, and the City of Laon, proving its value in real-world settings.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – by ensuring safer water through continuous monitoring.
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – by protecting human health from harmful micropollutants.
- SDG 14: Life Below Water – by preserving aquatic biodiversity affected by chemical pollutants.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – through innovative biosurveillance technology.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – thanks to collaboration between research institutes, industry, and regional bodies.
Why Continuous Biosurveillance is a Game-Changer
Water quality isn’t static—it changes by the minute, influenced by countless factors. That’s why ToxMate’s continuous, real-time monitoring is such a breakthrough. Instead of relying on occasional sampling and slow lab results, water managers get instant alerts about contamination events. This means faster responses, better protection for ecosystems, and ultimately, safer water for everyone. Plus, the multi-species approach means a broader detection range, capturing the complex reality of water pollution. In a world where micropollutants are a growing concern, ToxMate offers a smart, dynamic solution that keeps pace with the challenge.
