ESTR-A-LISER - Development and Validation of an Automated Instrument for the Determination of the Endocrine Disrupter 17ss-Estradiol in the Water Cycle

The objective of the project was to design and validate an analytical device and procedure that could detect endocrine disrupters in the water cycle in the sub-ppt range. The procedure was to be validated for its use with ground- and surface-water, wastewater and water intended for human consumption. This was to enable the devices future users to be able trace the presence of endocrine disrupters in the entirety of the water cycle, from drinking water to wastewater. The project successfully developed the device, called the 'Estr-a-liser', which combines an analytical robot, a special immuno-chemical procedure & software that statistically enhances results reliability. The apparatus is an immunoassay workstation prototype, based on inexpensive robotic modules. Intensive testing of the prototype with regard to sensitivity, reproducibility and accuracy was performed and the software was adapted, based on "uncertainty of measurement concept" (UOM).