BioTrackers, Inc. is based on the recognition that there is a demand for better methods to track bacteria in the field. According to Dr. Steck, this method could allow regulatory agencies to satisfy mandates in the Clean Water Act that require agencies to remediate bacterial-polluted surface water systems. Currently, there are no demonstrated methods that allow the source of bacterial pollution to be accurately determined, an essential first step in developing a remediation plan. Spiking putative pollution sources with the GMO, and then detecting the GMO in a nearby water body, would unambiguously allow one to determine the extent to which a point source is contributing to bacterial pollution. That the natural E. coli strain carries a unique genetic signature will allow us to unambiguously determine the movement, longevity, and physiological status of bacteria in the environment, Dr. Steck noted. The GMO and the method of detection are currently under patent review
