Slime control opens up water sources

Scientists from Australia have discovered a way of controlling bacterial slime on membranes, which they say will lead to more efficient desalination and water recycling plants.

Bacterial slime - known as a biofilm - is the main cause of blockage in membrane systems used in water treatment and can cause corrosion in pipes. Scientists at Australia’s Environmental Biotechnology Cooperative Research (EBCRC) Centre have discovered an effective natural cell signalling system that initiates dispersal in established biofilms and prevents the formation of new biofilms.

Dr David Garman, EBCRC executive director and the president of the International Water Association said: “Membrane fouling is one of the greatest contributors to increased energy usage and cost in the desalination and water recycling processes. Reducing fouling will significantly decrease operating costs through reduced energy consumption, a reduction in chemical usage and an overall reduction in a plants environmental footprint.”

Using knowledge of cell to cell signalling within biofilms, EBCRC is developing a range of biofilm control formulations that will stimulate natural bacterial dispersal events. The technology is applicable across many industries including pipe and membrane fouling control, cleaning and disinfection solutions, fresh produce washing, medical implant coatings and for use in infection control.

“As climate change and urbanisation put a strain on global fresh water resources, water utilities are increasingly moving to desalination, exploiting poorer quality sources and incorporating high levels of recycled water. Such changes are posing many challenges as not only are these sources more energy intensive, they are also more expensive to treat,” said Dr Garman.

Adding: “Novel biofilm control technology is one of the significant and essential new developments that enable the development and exploitation of alternative sources of water.”