The Environment Agency has developed a cutting edge DNA technique to prevent the pollution of bathing water. The ‘CSI Seaside’ project is believed to be the first of its kind anywhere in the world. By isolating the DNA of faecal matter sometimes found in bathing water, the agency’s National Laboratory Service is now able to tell whether it is human or animal in origin. The process is called Microbial Source Tracking (MST). Once the technique is perfected, Environment Officers will swiftly be able to perform analysis, identify the sources of pollution and take action to stop it entering our bathing water.
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