Management and use of beneficial bacterial biofilms to control aquatic pathogens, for reliable chemical-free sanitisation of swimming pools

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We seek to develop innovative biofilm technology, in order to manage waterborne pathogens in swimming pools. Our biofilm based biofilter is a new and novel solution to pool water filtration. By using beneficial biofilms it negates chemical disinfection, enables complete control of algae and algal films, and recent preliminary data has shown the potential for management of key aquatic pathogens. The swimming pool filtration market (worth 3.2bn) currently lacks chemical-free alternatives despite customers' demands of healthier, easier and cheaper solutions to pool water treatment. Therefore a unique market oportunity exists. The benefits of biofiltration over the incumbent (chemical) filters are: 1. Higher reliability potential (less reliance on chemical testing /dosing ), 2. Lower maintenance (no monitoring of water chemistry), 3. Cost savings: Zero chemical usage, lower circulation energy (120w vs 1200w circulation pumps) 4. Enhanced user experiences (fresh vs chemical laden water). This project would help to fully realise the mass market potential for this biofilm based technology, through innovative and robust scientific research and development. This project will assess and develop the potential for beneficial biofilms to control pathogens through understanding and optimising biofilm performance. To this end, we will utilise novel scientific techniques, e.g. bioluminescent bacterial reporters (enabling temporal and spatial monitoring of known pathogens), to gain new scientific insights and knowledge in this area where research is currently lacking. Whilst the vast majority of aquatic biofilm research tends to focus on the widesperad elimination of biofilms (which are seen as a health threat), we have already proved that biofilm based biofilters in swimming pools can successfully control algae-sustaining nutrients (P and N). This study seeks to answer the following research questions:1) To what extent do beneficial biofilms grown on biofilters (CWR biofiltration system) reduce the levels of known waterborne pathogens in freshwater? 2) Does the CWR biofiltration system prevent the re-introduction of pathogens in water? 3) How can the beneficial biofilm within the CWR biofiltration system be optimised to maximise pathogen removal? This 12 month feasibility project brings together scientists from the University of the West of England and Bristol based business entrepreneurs, Clear Water Revival Ltd. (CWR) who specialise in the development and production of chemical free swimming pools. A laboratory phase will be used to inform real-world testing on full scale biofilters fitted to full size swimming pools thereby providing direct, tangible and immediate technology benefit/s from applied scientific research and discovery. The successful completion of this project would help to fully realise the mass market potential for this biofilm based technology, through innovative and robust scientific research and development. It will help place the UK at the forefront of chemical free water treatment, ultimately improving quality of life, reducing environmental impact whilst generating wealth creation opportunities for the UK leading to the creation and securing of jobs.The proposed scientific research has many cross sector applications, since the fundamental aim is to understand and encourage beneficial biofilms which can sanitise water; as a healthy alternative to using harmful chemicals. While the practical application will focus on bio-filters for pools, the scientific knowledge gained would also be highly applicable to all aquatic pathogens, and in particular, waste water treatment, contaminated water remediation and intensive fish farming.