The control of waterborne pathogenic bacteria in fresh water using a biologically active filter

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the control three species bacteria commonly associated with biologically contaminated water, using biofiltration. In study, a laboratory-scale biofilter system used Escherichia coli , Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in fresh water. Simulated water inoculated test pathogens at starting inocula ~1000 CFU 100 mL −1 challenge biofilters. Biofilter systems operating within recirculation configuration demonstrated significant reduction E. (99%), P. (92%) after 24 h. Conversely, all sterile did not show any pathogens. Subsequent analysis media circulation showed that 0% recovered from biofilter, whereas 0.06% 1.26% were respectively. Further investigation enterococci an environmentally-derived surface 99.8% 99.4% conclusion, work demonstrates can be significantly reduce waterborne pathogenic potential application low-cost, energy efficient for management bacterial supplies is discussed.