Bio Blocks Could Decimate Mosquitoes, Indian Study Shows

Bio blocks made of volcanic stones could be effective in checking the mosquito menace, a pilot study in southern India shows.

The eco bio blocks developed by Ariake Bio Tech Solutions, based in Chennai, capital of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, could kill mosquito larvae and microbes in the drains, it is claimed.

Briefing reporters, R.S.Bharati, chairman of the Alandur Municipality said that the study in his region showed a success rate of 97 per cent in killing larvae. Besides the blocks mitigated, to a considerable extent, the foul smell emanating from the drains and water-logged pits.

Soya bean bacillus is injected to the blocks made up of volcanic stones and cement concrete before the blocks are dropped into the drains and that way oxygen levels are sought to be raised.

When submerged, the blocks reduce the polluting content in 36 hoursand microbes in 21 days, it is said.

This is the first time that the technology has become available in solid blocks. Thus far only powder and liquid containing the bacteria have been used.

The bio blocks are considered particularly effective as they are not washed away like liquid or powder, Times of India reports.

Once a block is placed in water, microbes would multiply and destroy larvae.

Sathak Ahamed Shaw, CEO of the Ariake Bio Tech Solutions, said that the bio blocks technology did not require energy, manpower or maintenance and hence it was cost-effective.

Also the treated water could be used for irrigation, he added.

Source-Medindia
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