Bactericidal components and mechanisms of an advanced oxidation system for water purification

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Biolargo Water Inc. of Edmonton has provided proof of concept that its patented Advanced Oxidation System (AOS) eliminates bacteria in water. The system thus has the potential to provide an economically advantageous alternative to water disinfection, and for removal of organic compounds in water. However, the mechanisms of the bactericidal effect of the system remain unknown. Different from current methods for water disinfection and purification, which are mainly based on oxidative stress imposed by UV light, chlorine, or iodine, Biolargo's AOS ability to rapidly kill microorganisms is based on a combination of oxidative stress that is induced by reactive iodine species, acid and alkaline stress, and stress imposed by iodine. While bacterial resistance to these individual stressors is well understood, the effect of the combined application of several of these lethal or sublethal stressors on microbial physiology and survival is unknown. Optimization of the chemical composition of the treatment solution as well as improvement of the process, equipment design, and scale up of the process requires increased knowledge on the bactericidal mechanisms. This proposal will assess bactericidal mechanisms of the AOS by evaluating the sensitivity of selected mutants of Escherichia coli. Explorative experimentation during an ENGAGE project provided proof of concept that this experimental approach generates relevant knowledge, and additionally indicated that the composition of the treatment fluid with respect to organic compounds, ions, and chlorine is an important parameter with respect to the bactericidal effect of the AOS. This project will provide a comprehensive assessment of the oxidative ion species generated by the AOS and the bactericidal mechanisms. The knowledge generated in this project will be used by the supporting organization for improved equipment and process design, and application development.