VA L UAT I O N A N D N E G OT I AT I O N O F T E C H N O L O G Y

U N I T 1 . U N D E R S TA N D G E N E R A L C O N C E P T S
W I T H I N T H E F R A M E WO R K O F T H E P R O B L E M

T U TO R A
K A R L A N AT H A L I A T R I A N A

P R E S E N T E D B Y

D I A N A PA O L A M A L AV E R R O D R I G U E Z

N AT I O N A L U N I V E R S I T Y O P E N A N D D I S TA N C E
Z I PA Q U I R A M A R C H 2 0 1 8
 INTRODUCTION

This presentation aims to publicize the technological innovation that is presented in the case chosen
for the development of this activity MicroToxMap (Chile):
"Paper microscopes so that the population can identify the tactical microalgae in the water and
which are monitored thanks to a free application of social use in cell phones. "
What is it about, what problem is being solved?

The "Red Tide" is a natural phenomenon caused by the increase of microalgae, which under
certain environmental conditions, such as water temperature, salinity, luminosity and the
amount of nutrients in the sea can cause "algal blooms", which often they can be toxic (there
are also non-toxic), which causes color changes. These microalgae are food for filter
molluscs, which then concentrate these toxins in their tissues, turning them into highly
dangerous foods, which can cause severe illnesses and even the death of those who consume
them. For this reason, the scientific undertaking carried out by the non-governmental NGO
Chiloé-Silvestre Conservation Center for Biodiversity takes on special relevance. Through its
"MicroToxMap" project, it created very low-cost paper microscopes to enable the The
population will be able to identify the toxic microalgae in the water and then they will be
monitored thanks to a free application (app) for social use in cell phones.
What is the technology innovation that can be identified in this case? (Make sure it is described
the technology, not the social innovation)

(La Estrella de Chiloé) In 2016 the blooms of harmful algae - better known as red tide -
strongly affected Chiloé (Los Lagos region) and caused an ecological disaster. The
"MicroToxMap" project addressed the lack of knowledge about this phenomenon in coastal
communities. Through education, research and active conservation measures, such as the
rehabilitation of wildlife, it seeks to protect the wildlife of the area. "MicroToxMap" is the
project that the group devised to monitor the phenomenon of toxic microalgae by means of
paper microscopes and a digital application.
His technological invention as well as the simplicity of the microscope is evident in the fact
that the system adapts to mobile applications where a network is generated in order to make
a global monitoring of the coast, the idea is to expand the predictive capacity.
How this innovation can help to eradicate poverty in developing countries, taking into account
the solved problem?

This starts with a problem that is detected with the red tide that is decades ago, a
phenomenon that affects the aquaculture-fishing sector of the country. It is possible to identify
these microorganisms based on microscopy. They wanted to generate a way to teach the
community how to identify these microalgae that are toxic and generate problems on the
coast.

the "MicroToxMap" project will provide coastal communities with inexpensive microscopes
made of paper and will teach them how to use them to detect and monitor the red tide,
identifying toxic microalgae that carry health risks
GRACIAS