Michigan State University researchers have developed a new weapon that ³sniffs" out gases in manure and identifies those that are emitted by harmful E. coli O157:H7 bacteria. The new device was developed by Evangelyn Alocilja, an assistant professor in the Biosystems Engineering Department, with partial funding from USDA. Alocilja built the device from seven gas sensors that detect gases emitted by bacteria and translate those gases into wavy lines on a computer screen. Unlike other E. coli signatures, the O157:H7 strain shows bumps on the wavy lines. Results from the scan are almost immediate, compared with the 10-14-day wait for a laboratory to conduct conventional testing. Because the device can provide early detection of E. coli O157:H7, livestock producers can modify the cattle diets and eliminate the acidic conditions in the animals¹ stomachs that promoted the bacteria's growth. The new detection device can also help fruit and vegetable growers. Produce can become laced with E. coil from contaminated water used to irrigate or from contaminated fertilizer applied during production. To detect those bacteria, the sensor scans samples from truckloads ready for market.

Agricultural Engineering
Michigan State University
A.W. Farrall Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1323
(517) 355-4720

Questions or comments contact: webmaster

Newsletter Home| Past Newsletters | Agricultural Engineering Home | Michigan State University Home