Taking the lab to the river bank

Taking the lab to the river bank - a new pollution detection device

Researchers have developed a device that can cut the time it takes to detect pollution in water from days to seconds.

Researchers at the University of Birmingham's School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences have developed a method of using ultraviolet light to examine the fluorescence given off by different substances in the water.

As well as aiding water companies to track contamination the device could also save lives after natural disasters by helping survivors find a safe source of water.