bbe Fish Toximeter

Real-time bio-monitoring (RTB) for continuous behavioral analysis.
A high-performance instrument for the detection of toxins in water.

The bbe Fish Toximeter observes fish in a tank under the influence of a stream of "sample" water. Tracking all movements online, the instrument records any changes in behavior. As a result of an accident, the toximeter triggers an alarm at an early stage of exposure. This uncomplicated but highly sensitive instrument is designed to monitor bodies of water in:

• rivers
• reservoirs
• water supply systems
• water treatment plant intakes
• sewers

The instrument is based on the development of Extended Dynamic Daphnia Tests (EDDT), a tried and tested detection method in Europe and other parts of the world. Continuous biological monitoring with the bbe Fish Toximeter enables rapid detection of toxic substances in water and provides an online early warning system. The relative extent and length of a toxic event is recorded by the instrument in order to enable further analysis. This unique instrument enables the user to determine, record and quickly react to the observation and analysis of toxic contamination. The bbe Fish Toximeter is well suited for the rapid detection of willful or negligent damage to water systems. It is also conceived as a long-term monitor of water quality during "strategic" analysis.

Brochure:

• The bbe Fish Toximeter

Film:

• A small video showing a working bbe Fish Toximeter (9MB)

Technology for water quality monitoring:

Continuous analysis of live video images enables rapid determination of the behavior and health of the fish. Toxicity computations and assessments are based on the measurement of the following parameters:

• speed
• behavior (height, turns, circular motion, etc.)
• determination of size
• no. of active fish

Observation of water quality with the aid of quick "online analysis"

Live video camera images are recorded with a digital camera and analyzed online by an integrated PC.  The behavior of the fish is examined and analyzed for significant changes. A combined parameter - the so-called toxic index - is calculated continuously. This method allows statements regarding the condition of the monitored water, which are superior compared to other monitoring instruments. Different parameter settings are selectable, adapted to the demands of the monitoring. Adjustments are easy to perform and require no expert knowledge

Applications:

• drinking water supply
• dam monitoring
• waterway analysis and assessment
• general environmental assessment
• intake monitoring
• chemical analysis

Features:

• connection to local area network with permanent access to data
• remote control of computer system
• remote or local automatic audio/visual alarm via fax or SMS
• ready for integration of other sensors for the measurement of oxygen, pH, conductivity, etc.
• standard size of fish basin is 50 x 30 x 10 cm; other sizes available on request.

The bbe Software:

The integrated software detects significant changes in the behavior of the fish, gained from live observations. Toxic events are signaled as "alarms". A static calculation allows an alarm detection even under difficult environmental conditions such as "noise" or a slow drift in the measurement curve. The sensitivity of the alarms can be pre-determined or user-specific,  or changed according to each application. The bbe software is also compatible with other toxicity detection systems.

Specifications of  bbe Fish Toximeter
 

Measurands: Toxicity detection via video analysis of fish behavior regarding the following:

• average swim speed
• speed distribution
• swim height
• average distance
• fractal dimension of swim paths: curviness, turns etc.
• no. of fish
• distribution in chamber