Experts Discuss Innovations In Water Quality And Disease Prevention At The Water Quality Forum

The Water Quality Forum (WQF) concluded its second edition, bringing together global experts to discuss advancements in water quality and disease prevention. The event, organised by M42 Environmental Sciences with the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC), highlighted innovative approaches to managing water resources and preventing infectious diseases.

Yohannes Mengistu Eshete from Ethiopia's Global Health International presented a sewage surveillance project. He emphasised that monitoring wastewater is crucial for early pathogen detection. This allows authorities to act promptly before outbreaks occur. Ethiopia aims to expand this project, integrating it into their national epidemiological system.

Jason Moore of Lyten Batteries discussed the significance of accurate water labelling. He commended the UAE's bottled water standards. Moore mentioned that Lyten’s graphene-based nanobatteries might be used in future water filtration systems, ensuring sustainable freshwater access in arid regions.

Professor Ryo Honda from Japan's Kanazawa University shared insights on Japan's wastewater monitoring expansion across Asia. This initiative tracks pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 and antimicrobial resistance. Daily updates are provided online and via social media, aiding residents in making informed decisions about safety measures.

Professor Haroun Shah from the University of West London highlighted rapid bacterial detection methods such as MALDI-TUF mass spectrometry. These methods are accessible even in low-income areas. He also noted that Raman Spectroscopy could reduce detection time to 10 seconds, with AI further speeding up sample processing.

Dr. Farida Al Hosani of the Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE) spoke about supporting global surveillance initiatives. She highlighted using wastewater networks for polio detection and stressed genetic testing and AI's role in predicting outbreaks before they happen.

The forum underscored the importance of international collaboration in tackling water quality challenges and infectious diseases. By sharing knowledge and innovations, countries can better prepare for future health threats, ensuring safer environments for their populations.

With inputs from WAM