could this bite us in later years

SHSU scientists design new bacteria-based water purification system	<<>
Thursday, February 11, 2010
HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS — Researchers at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) have developed a portable water purification system that uses a set of common bacterial strains to create potable water without leaving toxic by-products in less than 24 hours, according to a press release. Conventional bacteria-based water purification systems take up to a month to purify water and create toxic waste as a by-product, the release stated. However, the bacteria in the new system consume their waste after they are finished filtering the water, according to the release. Sabin Holland, lead scientist of the project, said, “The bacteria, the ‘bugs,’ we are working with are naturally occurring. We have isolated a small subset of them — each bacterium has a specific function — and we have engineered a biofilm that is self-regulating and highly efficient at cleaning wastewater.” Two of the devices, called “bio-reactors,” are being delivered to Army bases in Afghanistan, and Holland said they could also be useful in Haiti to help with relief efforts, the release stated. “One of the most pressing threats to public health in the aftermath of the recent earthquake is contaminated water and the lack of infrastructure to clean it up,” Holland stated. “This technology is an ideal application to mitigate that urgent need.” To read the entire article, click here. For related information, click h