Using Mussels To Detect Contamination In Real Time

The water quality monitoring system in Warsaw, Poland, uses mussels with sensors attached to their seashells to detect contamination in real time.

In the presence of harmful substances, mollusk close their seashells activating sensors and sending a signal to the control system. If four out of eight mussels react simultaneously, the water supply is automatically disrupted to prevent health risks.

This method, implemented in over 50 treatment plants in Poland, harnesses the natural ability of mussels to filter up to 190 litres of water per day, offering a highly efficient biological solution for contaminant detection.