JP2010236861A - Apparatus and method for automatic measurement of water quality - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To rapidly perform the automatic measurement of a microbe with high frequency. <P>SOLUTION: This automatic measurement apparatus 100 of water includes a turbidimeter 110 for measuring the turbidity of a sample to be detected, a sample concentrating part 211 for separating and concentrating the sample to be detected using a ceramic membrane, a filtration part 200 having a filter membrane, a washing means and a recovery means, a changeover part 112 for injecting the sample to be detected in either one of the sample concentrating part 211 and the filtration part 200 on the basis of the turbidity of the sample to be detected, a fluorescence labelling part 214 for bonding a fluorescence labelled antibody to a microbe to be detected, and a microbe measuring part 216 for measuring the microbe to be detected using a fluorescent fine particle measuring machine. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a water quality automatic measuring apparatus and method for measuring microorganisms, and in particular, chlorine-resistant pathogens such as protozoa, bacteria, and viruses present in environmental water such as rivers and lakes and treated water in water and sewage treatment processes. The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for automatically measuring the above.

  Since there are a wide variety of chemical substances in the environment, it is thought that environmental waters such as rivers and lakes that are raw water supply are also contaminated with various chemical substances. However, in addition to such water quality problems in the water environment, the occurrence of water-borne infectious diseases caused by protozoa such as Cryptosporidium, bacteria such as enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157 and Legionella, and viruses has become a major social problem.

  In order to prevent outbreaks of these water-borne infections, it is essential to frequently monitor the causative microorganisms in the water treatment process. Then, it is necessary to feed back the results of the monitoring to the treatment process and appropriately remove, sterilize or disinfect the water-borne infectious microorganisms present in the environment. However, a technique for efficiently detecting a microorganism from a sample has not been established, and a high level of skill and time are required to detect a pathogenic microorganism that is slightly contained in the environment.

  On the other hand, for example, in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-140148), in order to increase the frequency of measurement, to automate, and to save labor, a microorganism to be detected is selectively fluorescently labeled, and the sample is flow-sited. A method is disclosed in which a microorganism to be detected is detected from the fluorescence intensity of particles by continuously feeding liquid to a meter. As a means for fluorescently labeling the detection target microorganism, an antibody that selectively binds to the detection target microorganism and has a fluorescent substance bound thereto is used. The flow cytometer is an analyzer that measures the fluorescence intensity of particles, the intensity of forward scattered light indicating the particle diameter of particles, and the intensity of side scattered light indicating the internal structure of particles. When detecting a fluorescently labeled detection target microorganism, a region of forward scattered light intensity indicating the fluorescence intensity and particle size of the detection target microorganism is set in advance, and when the measured particle is included in this region, it is counted as the detection target microorganism. Can be measured. Furthermore, in order to increase the detection accuracy, it is effective to set a criterion that is lower than the fluorescence intensity peculiar to impurities in addition to the above-described region.

  However, environmental water varies greatly depending on local characteristics and weather conditions such as rainfall, but there are a large amount of foreign substances such as microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria and nematodes, algae, soil organic matter such as humic acid, and inorganic substances such as sand. Exists. When the antibody is non-selectively bound or adsorbed to such a contaminant and exhibits the same fluorescence intensity and particle size as that of the detection target microorganism, such a contamination is erroneously detected as the detection target microorganism in the flow cytometer. There is a risk of counting. In particular, when the number concentration of particles (detection target microorganisms and contaminants) in the measurement sample is increased, there is a possibility that it will appear more prominently.

In addition, if there are 0.02 or more pathogenic insects per liter in drinking water, mass infection is caused. The removal ability by normal coagulation sedimentation and sand filtration is about 3 logs. Therefore, there is a risk of causing water-borne infection when pathogenic insects with a number concentration exceeding the removal capacity are mixed in the raw water.
Here, since this concentration is as high as about 20 / L, it is possible to inspect even with a small amount of sample water. Therefore, if automatic measurement can be performed quickly and frequently, it can be reflected in the water purification process, and the risk of causing waterborne infection can be reduced.

JP-A-7-140148

  Chlorine-resistant pathogens use a large amount of samples, and it takes time and effort to prepare, and time and labor are required for visual inspection with a microscope, and the inspection results can be quickly managed for water quality management and water treatment process management. Difficult to apply. In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention reduces the erroneous count of detection target microorganisms in the flow cytometer even if a large amount of contaminants are mixed in the detection target sample, and easily detects the detection target microorganisms with high accuracy. An object of the present invention is to provide a microorganism measuring method capable of counting.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is an automatic water quality measurement apparatus for measuring a detection target microorganism, and the water quality automatic measurement apparatus uses a turbidimeter for measuring the turbidity of a detection target sample and a ceramic membrane. A sample concentrating unit for separating and concentrating the detection target sample, a filtering unit connected to the sample concentrating unit, a switching unit, a fluorescent labeling unit for specifically binding the fluorescently labeled antibody to the detection target microorganism, and fluorescent fine particles A microorganism measuring unit that measures a detection target microorganism using a measuring instrument. Here, the filtration unit filters the detection target microorganism from the detection target sample, the cleaning means for cleaning the detection target microorganism captured on the filtration membrane using a cleaning liquid, and the detection target microorganism. Recovery means for recovering by injecting the dispersion from the side. The switching unit injects the detection target sample into either the sample concentrating unit or the filter based on the turbidity.

  Furthermore, the present invention, in another aspect, is a water quality automatic measurement method for measuring a detection target microorganism, and the water quality automatic measurement method includes a step of measuring turbidity of a detection target sample, and a sample based on the turbidity. From the step of injecting the sample to be detected into either the concentration unit or the filtration unit, the step of separating and concentrating the detection target sample using a ceramic membrane, and the sample concentrated by the sample concentration unit and the detection target sample, Separating the detection target microorganism, binding the fluorescently labeled antibody that specifically binds to the detection target microorganism to the detection target microorganism, and washing the detection target microorganism captured on the filtration membrane A step of recovering the microorganism to be detected by injecting a dispersion from the filtration side, and a step of measuring the microorganism to be detected using a fluorescent particle measuring instrument. Including the door. In addition, although it is preferable to perform the water quality | type automatic measurement method based on this invention in the said procedure, it is not limited to the said procedure.

  Further, the washing liquid does not decompose the fluorescent dye, and it is preferable that the binding between the fluorescent dye and the contaminant contained in the detection target sample is dissociated without dissociating the binding between the fluorescent dye and the detection target microorganism. The dispersion has a low salt concentration and does not decompose the fluorescent dye. It does not dissociate the binding between the fluorescent dye and the microorganism to be detected, but dissociates the binding between the fluorescent dye and the impurities contained in the sample to be detected. Is preferred. The filtration membrane is preferably a flat membrane having a pore size smaller than the particle size of the microorganism to be detected, hydrophilic and having a smooth surface. Furthermore, it is preferable to use a flow cytometry method for the fluorescent particle measuring instrument. The detection target sample is preferably collected from a river, a lake, or the like, and includes a detection target microorganism and / or impurities.

  Since the automatic water quality measurement device of the present invention can perform automatic measurement quickly and frequently, it is possible to react to a water purification process such as changing the coagulant injection rate and strengthening the management of filtration turbidity. In addition, the risk of waterborne infection can be reduced.

  Furthermore, the water quality automatic measuring device of the present invention receives the measurement information of the existing raw water turbidimeter in the water purification facility, and when the turbidity of the detection target sample is 20 degrees or more, the sampling port is switched by switching the water sampling port. It has a function of collecting water.

  The automatic water quality measuring device of the present invention uses a ceramic membrane having a pore size of 0.1 μm to 1 μm to separate and concentrate a sample to be detected, and then backwashes the ceramic membrane using a solution containing a surfactant such as PET. By doing so, the microorganisms to be detected can be recovered and used for the subsequent measurement. In addition, the ceramic membrane can process about 10L of test water in a short time.

  Furthermore, the automatic water quality measurement apparatus of the present invention has means for returning the concentrated sample after antibody labeling to the filtration unit again. This further removes the antibody adsorbed on the contaminants by washing, thereby improving the measurement accuracy.

  In addition, the water quality automatic measuring device of the present invention can separate the sample by switching the drainage flow path at the outlet of the flow cytometer when the crypto is detected by the dedicated flow cytometer, and can perform a detailed inspection later. Can be.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a water quality automatic measurement device according to the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an automatic water quality measuring apparatus according to the present invention. The apparatus of the present embodiment includes a turbidimeter 110, a sample tank 111, a switching unit 112, a sample concentrating unit 211, a filtering unit 200, a cleaning liquid tank 212, a dispersion liquid tank 213, and a fluorescent labeling unit 214. , A waste liquid tank 215, a microorganism measuring unit 216, a sample recovery tank 217, a pump 208, a negative pressure pressure gauge 221, a positive pressure pressure gauge 222, and valves (231 to 244).
Here, the filtration unit 200 is connected to the sample tank 111 and the sample concentration unit 211. In addition, the filtration unit 200 includes a sample tank 111, a sample concentration unit 211, a cleaning liquid tank 212, a line L22, a cleaning liquid tank 212 and a dispersion liquid tank 213, a line L23, a waste liquid tank 215, and a line L24. The labeling unit 214 is connected to the microorganism measuring unit 216 via a line L25.

Moreover, the water quality automatic measuring device can be used by separating the measurement portion and the measurement portion. The measurement part includes a turbidimeter 110, a sample tank 111, a switching unit 112, a sample concentrating unit 211, a filtering unit 200, a cleaning liquid tank 212, a dispersion liquid tank 213, a fluorescent labeling unit 214, and the like. The measurement part includes a microorganism measurement unit 216, a sample collection tank 217, and the like.
The mutual relationship among the apparatus components including the above-described components shown in FIG. 1 will be apparent from the following description of FIG.
In the water quality automatic measurement device according to the present invention, various microorganisms can be measured. In the present embodiment, cryptosporidium is measured as an example.

The turbidimeter turbidimeter 110 measures the turbidity of the detection target sample. As the turbidimeter 100, a turbidimeter for raw water existing in a water purification facility, for example, a turbidimeter of a surface scattered light measurement method or a transmitted scattered light measurement method is used.

The switching unit switching unit 112 injects the detected sample into either the sample concentrating unit 211 or the filtering unit 200 based on the turbidity value measured by the turbidimeter. For example, when the turbidity of the detection target sample is 20 degrees or more, the sample is injected into the sample concentration unit 211. Thereby, the turbidity of the detection target sample can be set to 2 degrees or less and injected into the filtration unit 200. Further, when the turbidity of the detection target sample is less than 20 degrees, the detection target sample is directly injected into the filtration unit 200.

Sample Concentration Unit The sample concentration unit 211 concentrates the detection target sample using a ceramic film. The sample concentration unit 211 can set the turbidity of the detection target sample to 2 degrees or less. The concentration treatment time is about 15 minutes.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the sample concentration unit 211 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the sample concentration unit 211 used in the automatic water quality measuring apparatus according to the present invention.
The sample concentration unit 211 includes a ceramic membrane 301, a sample water tank 303, a backwash recovery liquid tank 305, and an air pump 307. The ceramic membrane 301 has a pore diameter of 0.1 μm to 1 μm, and can process a test water of about 10 L in a short time. The backwashing recovery liquid tank 305 has a solution containing a surfactant such as PET.
First, the detection target sample is introduced into the ceramic film 301, and the detection target sample is separated and concentrated. The filtered water is treated as a waste liquid. Subsequently, a solution containing a surfactant such as PET is introduced into the ceramic membrane 301 from the backwash recovery liquid tank 305 to recover the detection target microorganisms.

Filtration part A filtration part isolate | separates microorganisms from a detection object sample using a filtration membrane. The filtration unit includes a filtration membrane, a cleaning unit, and a recovery unit. The filtration membrane separates the detection target microorganism from the sample concentrated by the sample concentration unit or the detection target sample. The cleaning means cleans the detection target microorganism captured on the filtration membrane using a cleaning liquid. The recovery means recovers the detection target microorganism by injecting the dispersion from the filtration side. FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of such a filtration unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the filtration unit 200 according to the present embodiment includes a track etch film 101 (hereinafter, filtration film 101) that performs its original function. The filtration membrane 101 is fixed by a membrane fixing packing 103 using a mesh cloth 102 as a support. This whole is sandwiched between the flow cell upper part 104 and the follow cell lower part 105. As a result, the sample water and the filtrate can be separated through the membrane 101. The membrane is a hydrophilic and smooth flat membrane for trapping Cryptosporidium in the sample with a 2 or 3 μm pore size track etch filter (Whatman, trade name Nuclepore filter or Millipore, Isopore membrane filter) ) Is preferred. The particle diameter of Cryptosporidium oocyst is 4-6 μm, and the hole diameter of the track etch filter has an accuracy of plus 0% and minus 10%, so that Cryptosporidium can be trapped on the flat membrane with almost 100%. .

  A change in pressure in the filtration unit 200 may cause the membrane 101 to deform and extend. As a result, the pore diameter of the membrane 101 may increase. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to prevent the deformation of the membrane 101 due to the supply pressure of the sample water, the membrane 101 is fixed on a support that can flow down the filtrate and maintain the shape of the membrane 101. A mesh cloth 102 can be used as the support. For example, a 30-mesh cloth made of polypropylene (NBC) can be used.

  In the upper part of the flow cell 104, a sample water supply port 111, a sample recovery port 112, a fluorescent labeling port 114, and a pressurization and / or intake port 113 for recovering a suspension containing microorganisms separated from the sample water by air pressure. And are provided. In the lower part of the flow cell 105, a filtrate discharge port 114 and a washing water supply port 115 are provided. In order to collect the microorganisms separated from the sample water, it is desirable that the sample collection port 112 and the fluorescent labeling port 114 have a structure inclined downward. Thereby, the liquid containing Cryptosporidium can be made to flow down to the sample collection port 112 and the fluorescence labeling port 114, and can be efficiently collected.

Fluorescent labeling unit The fluorescent labeling unit 214 binds a fluorescently labeled antibody that specifically binds to the detection target microorganism to the detection target microorganism. In the fluorescent labeling unit 214, the antigen-antibody reaction is performed at 37 degrees for 30 minutes.

The microorganism measuring unit 217 measures a detection target microorganism using a fluorescent particle measuring instrument. Here, for example, flow cytometry can be used as the fluorescent particle measuring instrument.

Sample collection tank The sample collection tank has a function of collecting a sample at the time of detection. This makes it possible, for example, to reconfirm whether the detected particles are Cryptosporidium oocysts with a microscope, to check for infectivity, or to perform detailed analysis of crypts such as bovine and human types by DNA analysis. This makes it possible to estimate the source of occurrence.

  Then, according to FIG. 4, one Embodiment of the water quality automatic measurement method using the water quality automatic measurement apparatus which concerns on this invention is described. The components of the apparatus are those shown in FIGS.

  First, the turbidimeter measures the turbidity of the detection target sample (step 401). Next, the switching unit 112 injects the detection target sample into the sample concentrating unit 211 or the filtering unit 200 based on this turbidity. When the turbidity is 20 degrees or more, the valves 242, 243, 231 and 234 are opened to form a concentrated sample supply flow path, and the valve 221 is opened and the air pump is operated (step 402). Since the inside of the waste liquid tank 215 is decompressed and the sample concentrating unit 211 is also decompressed, the sample to be detected is sucked into the sample concentrating unit 211. The ceramic membrane separates and concentrates the detection target sample (step 403). Subsequently, the concentrated detection target sample is sucked into the filtration unit 200.

  On the other hand, if the turbidity is less than 20 degrees, the valves 241, 231, 234 are opened to form the sample supply flow path, the valve 221 is opened, and the air pump 208 is operated (step 404). Since the waste liquid tank 215 is depressurized and the filtration unit 200 is also depressurized, the detection target sample is sucked into the filtration unit 200.

  The filtrate passes through the membrane 101 and is discharged from the filtrate discharge port 114 into the waste liquid tank 215. Here, it is desirable to use a pressure-resistant waste liquid tank 215. At this time, the suction pressure by the air pump 208 is measured by the negative pressure gauge PS1. The breaking pressure of the membrane is 69 kPa. Therefore, for safety, the operation of the air pump is controlled so that the suction pressure is 45 to 50 kPa. As a result, the sample water is filtered at a constant pressure. Also, for example, when sharp particles in the sample damage the membrane and the membrane breaks, the suction pressure controlled to 45 to 50 kPa changes rapidly to the positive pressure side. It is possible to determine whether to stop the adjustment.

  When filtration of the sample to be detected is completed, the air pump 208 is stopped, the valves 221, 234, 231, 241 are closed, the valve 235 is opened, the inside of the pipe is opened to the atmosphere, and the residual pressure is removed (step 405). After opening to the atmosphere, return the valve to its initial state.

  Next, the cleaning liquid is passed through the filtration unit 200 to wash away impurities trapped on the filtration unit 200 and the membrane 101. The valves 232 and 234 are opened to form a cleaning water supply flow path, and the valve 221 is opened to operate the air pump 208 (step 406). The waste liquid tank 213 is depressurized and the filtration unit is also depressurized, so that the wash water in the wash water tank 212 is absorbed into the filtration unit 200. The washing water passes through the membrane 101 and is discharged from the filtrate discharge port 114 into the waste liquid tank 214. Similarly, the suction pressure by the air pump 208 is measured by the negative pressure gauge PS1. Since the breaking pressure of the membrane is 69 kPa, for safety, the operation of the air pump 208 is controlled so that the suction pressure is 45 to 50 kPa.

The washing liquid does not decompose the fluorescent dye, and does not dissociate the bond between the fluorescent dye and the detection target microorganism, and needs to dissociate the bond between the fluorescent dye and the contaminant.
That is, it is most preferable that the cleaning liquid is weakly alkaline and contains a surfactant and a high concentration salt.

  After a certain cleaning time has elapsed, the air pump 208 is stopped, the valves 232, 234, 221 are closed, the valve 235 is opened, the inside of the pipe is opened to the atmosphere, and the residual pressure is removed (step 407). After opening to the atmosphere, return the valve to its initial state. The fixed washing time is determined by measuring in advance the time until the pH of the waste liquid becomes near neutral.

  Subsequently, the valves 244 and 238 are opened to form a fluorescent label flow path, and the valve 222 is opened and the air pump 208 is operated (step 408). Thereby, air is supplied from the pressurization and / or intake port of the filtration unit 200, the filtration unit 200 is pressurized, and the solution containing cryptosporidium accumulated in the filtration unit 200 is pumped to the fluorescent labeling unit 214. . At this time, it is desirable that the tube of the sample recovery port approaches just above the membrane 101, the filtration unit 200 is also inclined to the sample recovery port side, and the solution is accumulated in the sample recovery port.

  The fluorescent labeling unit 214 binds the fluorescently labeled antibody that specifically binds to the detection target microorganism to the detection target microorganism (step 409). The antigen-antibody reaction is performed at 37 ° C. for 30 minutes or longer, or at room temperature for 1 hour or longer. As the antibody, Cryptosporidium labeled antibody is used. As the Cryptosporidium-labeled antibody, for example, Easy Stain FITC (Wako Pure Chemical Industries) or the like is preferably used.

  The fluorescent dye is preferably fluorescent isothiocyanate (FITC). FITC has the highest fluorescence intensity at pH 9 to 10, and the fluorescence intensity decreases when it becomes acidic. In addition, polar organic solvents and chaotropic reagents are highly reactive and may denature or decompose FITC. For this reason, in this invention, it is preferable that a washing | cleaning liquid is pH10 vicinity and does not use a polar organic solvent and a chaotropic reagent.

A surfactant is used to prevent non-specific binding of the labeled antibody. Furthermore, the surfactant is also used to improve the dispersibility of the fine particles of the measurement sample.
Examples of the surfactant that can be employed include a nonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, and an amphoteric surfactant. Specifically, for example, Tween 80, polyethylene glycol mono-p-isooctyl phenyl ether (Triton X-100), polyoxyethylene sovitan monolaurate (Tween 20), nonidet P-40 (Nonidet P-40), n -Tetradecyl-N, N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate (ZWITTERGENT3-40), 3-((3-colamidopropyl) dimethylammonio)) propanesulfonic acid (CHAPS), sodium dodecyl sulfate Although it is preferable to use at least one selected from (SDS), the present invention is not limited to this.
As a salt that can be adopted, a salt that weakens the hydrophobic bond of the antibody is suitable. For example, it is preferable to use NaCl, MgCl ₂ or the like. The concentration is preferably included at a high concentration of 1M to 3M.
Moreover, as a weakly alkaline numerical range, pH 9-10 is suitable.
As will be confirmed in later examples, it is preferable to use a washing solution obtained by adding 0.01% Tween 80 and 2M NaCl to a 100 mM glycine buffer solution having a pH of 10.

  Next, the valves 244 and 234 are opened to form a re-cleaning circuit, the valve 221 is opened, the air pump 208 is operated, and the detection target sample is filtered again (step 410). Thereafter, the air pump 208 is stopped, the valves 244, 234, and 221 are closed, the valve 235 is opened, the inside of the pipe is opened to the atmosphere, and the residual pressure is removed (step 411).

  The cleaning water supply flow path is formed again, the valve 221 is opened, and the air pump 208 is operated (step 412). The washing water permeates the membrane 101 and discharges unnecessary materials such as free fluorescent dye on the membrane 101 to the waste liquid tank 214.

  After a certain cleaning time has elapsed, the air pump 208 is stopped, the valves 232, 234, and 221 are closed, the valve 235 is opened, the inside of the pipe is opened to the atmosphere, and the residual pressure is removed (step 413). After opening to the atmosphere, return the valve to its initial state. The fixed washing time is determined by measuring in advance the time until the pH of the waste liquid becomes near neutral.

Next, the valves 239 and 237 are opened to form a dispersion liquid supply flow path, and the valve 221 is opened to operate the air pump 208 (step 414). Thereby, the microorganisms to be detected that have been captured on the membrane 101 are dispersed in the dispersion. Thereafter, the air pump 208 is stopped, the valves 239, 237, and 221 are closed, the valve 238 is opened, the inside of the pipe is opened to the atmosphere, and the residual pressure is removed (step 415). After opening to the atmosphere, return the valve to its initial state.
Dispersions that can be used have a low salt concentration and do not decompose the fluorescent dye, do not dissociate the binding between the fluorescent dye and the microorganism to be detected, and dissociate the binding between the fluorescent dye and the contaminant. It needs to be. The composition needs to have a low concentration (preferably below the detection limit) even if the metal salt is not contained or is contained in the cleaning solution.
Examples of the surfactant that can be employed include a nonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, and an amphoteric surfactant. Specifically, for example, Tween 80, polyethylene glycol mono-p-isooctyl phenyl ether (Triton X-100), polyoxyethylene sovitan monolaurate (Tween 20), nonidet P-40 (Nonidet P-40), n -Tetradecyl-N, N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate (ZWITTERGENT3-40), 3-((3-colamidopropyl) dimethylammonio)) propanesulfonic acid (CHAPS), sodium dodecyl sulfate Although it is preferable to use at least one selected from (SDS), the present invention is not limited to this.
Moreover, as a weakly alkaline numerical range, pH 9-10 is suitable.
As will be confirmed in later examples, it is preferable to use a dispersion obtained by adding 0.01% Tween 80 to a 100 mM glycine buffer having a pH of 10.

  Subsequently, the valves 236 and 238 are opened to form a sample recovery flow path, and the valve 222 is opened and the air pump 208 is operated (step 416). Thereby, air is supplied from the pressurization and / or intake port of the filtration unit, the filtration unit 200 is pressurized, and the solution containing cryptosporidium accumulated in the filtration unit is pumped to the microorganism measurement unit 216. At this time, it is desirable that the tube of the sample recovery port approaches just above the membrane 101, the filtration unit 200 is also inclined to the sample recovery port side, and the solution is accumulated in the sample recovery port.

  When the solution containing Cryptosporidium is collected, the air pump 208 is stopped, the valves 238, 236, 222 are closed, the valve 238 is opened, the inside of the pipe is opened to the atmosphere, and the residual pressure is removed (step 417). After opening to the atmosphere, return the valve to its initial state. Subsequently, the microorganism measuring unit 216 measures the detection target microorganism (step 418).

  The present inventors verified the influence of the used cleaning solution on the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescently labeled Cryptosporidium using the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 according to the procedure shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 (a) is a graph showing a two-dimensional plot when fluorescence-labeled Cryptosporidium is measured without washing. The vertical axis represents the FITC fluorescence intensity, and the horizontal axis represents the forward scattered light intensity. The box in the figure indicates a region where fluorescently labeled cryptosporidium is distributed. FIG. 5B is a two-dimensional plot when fluorescent microparticles of fluorescently labeled Cryptosporidium are measured after washing with 1% PET. Similarly, FIG. 5 (c) is a two-dimensional plot graph using a washing solution obtained by adding 0.01% Tween 80 to a 100 mM glycine buffer solution at pH 10, and FIG. 5 (d) is a 100 mM glycine buffer solution at pH 10. FIG. 3 is a two-dimensional plot graph using a cleaning solution to which 0.01% Tween 80 and 2M NaCl are added.
From the above, it has been clarified that there is no influence on the fluorescence intensity of labeled Cryptosporidium by the washing solution.

Next, the inventors measured samples collected from the Tama River, Sagami River, and Tsuda River using the apparatus shown in FIGS. The number concentration of the concentrated sample was adjusted to 1 × 10 ⁶ pieces / ml.
FIG. 6 shows a two-dimensional plot graph when a sample collected from the Tama River is measured with a flow cytometer 217. FIG. 6A shows a measurement of an unlabeled concentrated sample, and FIG. 6B shows a measurement of a concentrated sample containing fluorescently labeled cryptosporidium. FIG. 6 (c) shows a concentrated sample containing fluorescently labeled cryptosporidium washed with 1% PET. It was confirmed that the base of impurities was reduced to the unlabeled level by washing. FIG. 6D is a two-dimensional plot graph using a washing solution in which 0.01% Tween 80 is added to a 100 mM glycine buffer solution of pH 10 from a concentrated sample containing fluorescently labeled cryptosporidium. ) Is a two-dimensional plot graph using a washing solution in which 0.01% Tween 80 and 2M NaCl were added to a concentrated sample containing fluorescently labeled Cryptosporidium at a pH of 10OmM glycine buffer.

  Similarly, FIGS. 7A to 7D are two-dimensional plot graphs when a sample collected from the Sagami River is measured with a flow cytometer 217. Moreover, Fig.8 (a)-(d) is a two-dimensional plot graph when the sample sampled from Nakatsugawa is measured.

From the above results, in the concentrated sample without fluorescent antibody labeling, the region of the particles determined to be Cryptosporidium, that is, the square of the horizontal axis (forward scattered light intensity) and the vertical axis (fluorescent scattered light intensity (green)). No fluorescent particles were present in the enclosed area (FIGS. 7A and 8A).
In a concentrated sample that has been labeled with a fluorescently labeled antibody, the fluorescently labeled antibody is non-specifically adsorbed on contaminant particles other than cryptography contained in the concentrated sample, and particles that enter the region of the particle determined to be Cryptosporidium (FIGS. 7A and 8B).
Contaminant particles that non-specifically adsorb fluorescent-labeled antibodies cause a positive error in Cryptosporidium counting, but the adsorbing power between contaminating particles and antibodies is weak compared to the binding force between Cryptosporidium and antibodies. . For this reason, after the fluorescent antibody labeling of the concentrated sample containing Cryptosporidium, the fluorescently labeled antibody adsorbed nonspecifically to the contaminating particles is released and washed and removed by washing again in the separation and concentration unit. Particles entering the region determined to be Cryptosporidium disappeared, and the measurement accuracy of Cryptosporidium could be improved (FIGS. 7 (c) to (e) and FIGS. 8 (c) to (e)). Furthermore, from the above results, it was found that the cleaning liquid composition (d) or (e) is preferable.
Therefore, it was found that the water quality automatic measuring apparatus according to the present invention can obtain the same result even when river water other than the Tama River is used.

It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment about the water quality | type automatic measurement apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment about the sample concentration part used for the water quality automatic measurement apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is the schematic which shows one Embodiment about the filter used for the water quality automatic measuring device which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows implementation of the water quality | type automatic measurement method which concerns on this invention. It is the graph shown with the two-dimensional plot when fluorescence-labeled Cryptosporidium is measured using the microorganisms measuring device which concerns on this invention. It is the graph shown by the two-dimensional plot when fluorescence-labeled cryptosporidium is measured from the sample extract | collected from Tama River using the microorganisms measuring device which concerns on this invention. It is the graph shown by the two-dimensional plot when fluorescence-labeled Cryptosporidium is measured from the sample extract | collected from Sagami River using the microorganisms measuring device which concerns on this invention. It is the graph shown with the two-dimensional plot when fluorescence-labeled cryptosporidium is measured from the sample extract | collected from Nakatsugawa using the microorganisms measuring apparatus which concerns on this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 110 Turbidimeter 111 Sample tank 112 Switching part 211 Sample concentration part 200 Filtration part 212 Cleaning liquid tank 213 Dispersion liquid tank 214 Fluorescence labeling part 215 Waste liquid tank 216 Microorganism measurement part 217 Sample collection tank

Claims (14)

A turbidimeter to measure the turbidity of the sample to be detected;
A sample concentration unit for separating and concentrating the detection target sample using a ceramic membrane;
A filtration unit connected to the sample concentrating unit, wherein a filtration membrane that separates the detection target microorganism from the detection target sample, and the detection target microorganism captured on the filtration membrane is washed using a cleaning liquid. A filtration unit having a washing means and a collecting means for collecting the detection target microorganism by injecting a dispersion from the filtration side;
Based on the turbidity, a switching unit that injects the detection target sample into one of the sample concentration unit and the filtration unit, and
A fluorescent labeling unit that binds a fluorescently labeled antibody that specifically binds to the detection target microorganism to the detection target microorganism;
A water quality automatic measuring device comprising: a microorganism measuring unit that measures the detection target microorganism using a fluorescent particle measuring instrument.   The cleaning liquid does not decompose the fluorescent dye, does not dissociate the binding between the fluorescent dye and the detection target microorganism, and dissociates the binding between the fluorescent dye and the contaminant contained in the detection target sample. The water quality automatic measuring device according to claim 1, wherein   The dispersion liquid has a low salt concentration and does not decompose the fluorescent dye, does not dissociate the binding between the fluorescent dye and the microorganism to be detected, and the contaminants contained in the fluorescent dye and the detection target sample. The water quality automatic measuring device according to claim 1, which dissociates bonds.   The water quality automatic measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the filtration membrane has a pore size smaller than the particle size of the detection target microorganism.   The automatic water quality measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the filtration membrane is a flat membrane having a hydrophilic surface and a smooth surface.   The automatic water quality measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fluorescent fine particle measuring instrument uses a flow cytometry method.   The water quality automatic measurement device according to claim 1, wherein the detection target microorganism is Cryptosporidium. A turbidimeter measuring the turbidity of the sample to be detected;
A switching unit, based on the turbidity, injecting the detected sample into either the sample concentrating unit or the filtering unit;
The sample concentrating unit separates and concentrates the sample to be detected using a ceramic membrane;
A filtration membrane separating the detection target microorganism from any of the sample concentrated by the sample concentration unit and the detection target sample; and
Binding a fluorescently labeled antibody to the detection target microorganism, wherein the fluorescent labeling part specifically binds to the detection target microorganism;
A step of washing the microorganism to be detected captured on the filtration membrane with a washing liquid;
A step of recovering the detection target microorganism by injecting a dispersion from the filtration side; and
A method for automatically measuring water quality, comprising: a microorganism measuring unit measuring the microorganism to be detected.   The cleaning liquid does not decompose the fluorescent dye, does not dissociate the binding between the fluorescent dye and the detection target microorganism, and dissociates the binding between the fluorescent dye and the contaminant contained in the detection target sample. The method for automatically measuring water quality according to claim 7.   The dispersion liquid has a low salt concentration and does not decompose the fluorescent dye, does not dissociate the binding between the fluorescent dye and the microorganism to be detected, and the contaminants contained in the fluorescent dye and the detection target sample. The water quality automatic measurement method according to claim 7, wherein the bond is dissociated.   The water quality automatic measurement method according to claim 7, wherein the filtration membrane has a pore size smaller than the particle size of the detection target microorganism.   8. The water quality automatic measuring method according to claim 7, wherein the filtration membrane is a flat membrane having a hydrophilic surface and a smooth surface.   The water quality automatic measuring method according to claim 7, wherein the fluorescent fine particle measuring apparatus uses a flow cytometry method.   The method for automatically measuring water quality according to claim 7, wherein the microorganism is Cryptosporidium.

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