Bacterial Strains That Can Purify Drinking Water Of Algal Toxins Identified

Bacterial strains that will be able to neutralize toxins produced by blue-green algae in drinking water have been identified by researchers at Robert Gordon's University, Aberdeen.

Blooms of blue green algae (cyanobacteria) are found in both fresh and salt water throughout the world.

Excess Ammonia Content Makes New Delhi Water Unpotable
Several parts of New Delhi, Indian capital, is to face acute drinking water shortage as excess ammonia content forces authorities to suspend water supply.

They produce toxins called microcystins which are released into the water and are easily ingested by animals and humans by drinking, swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

Once in the body, the toxins attack liver cells causing acute and chronic poisoning.

Conventional methods for water treatment such as sedimentation, sand filtration, flocculation and chlorination do not remove microcystins.

Scientists Predicting Severe Water Shortage In the Coming Decade
Scientists and engineers have said that they will have to face a host of obstacles over the next decade in providing clean water to millions of people caught up in a water shortage crisis.

The researchers at Robert Gordon's University have identified more than ten bacterial strains capable of metabolizing microcystins, breaking them down into harmless non-toxic materials.

The bacteria, Arthrobacter sp, Brevibacterium sp and Rhodococcus sp were able to break down six commonly occurring microcystins.

Desalination Process With Waste Heat, Made Possible By Scientists
Energy effecient water purification system, which uses the waste heat energy in generating hydraulic pressure, has been intiated by a group of researchers.

Six of the strains were incubated in river water with variants of the toxin to simulate natural conditions. All six strains were able to degrade the microcystins.

"The costs of advanced water purification strategies are beyond most of the world's population," said Aakash Welgama, from Robert Gordon's University.

Impure Water from Mumbai Taps
Mumbai is one city which shows its ugly side during the monsoon.

"Using bacteria to remove microcystins from water provides a reliable, cost-effective purification system, which does not involve any use of harmful chemicals or any other substances harmful to the environment," he added.

Source-ANI
TAN