Srikanth Singamaneni, professor of mechanical engineering & materials science, and Young-Shin Jun, professor of energy, environmental & chemical engineering, and their teams blended their expertise to develop an ultrafiltration membrane using graphene oxide and bacterial nanocellulose that they found to be highly efficient, long-lasting and environmentally friendly.
If their technique were to be scaled up to a large size, it could benefit many developing countries where clean water is scarce.
Biofouling accounts for nearly half of all membrane fouling and is highly challenging to eradicate completely.
The team then incorporated graphene oxide (GO) flakes into the bacterial nanocellulose while it was growing, essentially trapping GO in the membrane to make it stable and durable.
After GO is incorporated, the membrane is treated with base solution to kill Gluconacetobacter.
“If you want to purify water with microorganisms in it, the reduced graphene oxide in the membrane can absorb the sunlight, heat the membrane and kill the bacteria,” Singamaneni said.
Singamaneni and Jun and their team exposed the membrane to E. coli bacteria, then shone light on the membrane’s surface.
While the bacteria are killed, the researchers had a pristine membrane with a high quality of nanocellulose fibers that was able to filter water twice as fast as commercially available ultrafiltration membranes under a high operating pressure.
“This is like 3-D printing with microorganisms,” Jun said.
“We can add whatever we like to the bacteria nanocellulose during its growth.

ISLAMABAD: The microbial contamination of drinking water in Islamabad has intensified due to lack of proper disposal of municipal waste, posing serious health hazards to the residents of the capital.
The report compiled by Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) –a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune — reveals that 68% water sources were found unfit for drinking purpose in Islamabad and 62% in Rawalpindi. Water quality of Rawalpindi city has been found better and improved then of Islamabad.
A total of 25 predetermined locations were monitored for the drinking water quality of Islamabad, out of them 17 sources were found unfit for drinking purpose.
The major contaminant found in the drinking water was bacteria, as 68% of the water samples were found contaminated with Coliforms. However the surface run-off, increased concentrations of nutrients and municipal waste are major contributing sources for higher bacterial contamination in drinking water, according to the report.
He said that around 37 filtration plants are installed at different locations in the capital meanwhile water purification plant is installed at Simly Dam in order to provide clean drinking water to the people of Islamabad.
The report further shows a significant improvement in the water quality of Rawalpindi city since 2002 as safe water sources has increased from 27% in 2002 to 43% in 2016.

New Study Revealing Billions of People are Drinking Micro Plastic Particles in Tap Water Described as ‘Shocking’ by Water Purification Innovator Bluewater.
World leading drinking water technology leader Bluewater describes a new scientific study that has found previously unknown plastic contamination in the tap water of cities around the world as ‘shocking and disturbing’.
Bluewater is passionate about delivering viable alternatives to the problems behind the pollution that sees a million plastic bottles bought around the world every minute with just 9 percent of all plastic being recycled A wave of new studies in recent months have escalated knowledge about the extent of ocean, lake and river pollution by plastics.
“According to exclusive research by Orb Media, a top journalism site, and a researcher at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, microscopic plastic fibers are flowing out of taps from New York to New Delhi with women, children, men, and babies consuming plastic with every glass of water,” said Bengt Rittri, the Swedish environmental entrepreneur who founded Bluewater.
“It’s now no secret plastics have entered the human food chain as a result of being ingested by fish and stored in their intestines and fat, but the latest study by Orb Media is the first time we’ve been handed evidence that we are also ingesting plastic from our tap drinking our tap water,” says Bengt, who has made delivering clean drinking water and tackling ocean plastic pollution a cornerstone of Bluewater’s business mission.
The Swedish entrepreneur notes that micro plastics are in the stomachs of almost one in three mackerel caught in the Baltic, according to Stockholm University’s Baltic Sea Centre.
Bengt believes plastic – which has improved human life in so many ways over the past five decades – today threatens the existence of all living things on the planet.
He called for an urgent and radical rethink of plastic use and said the world must harness the ingenuity, energy and passion of scientists, entrepreneurs and ordinary citizens to meet the environmental and health challenges and deliver business solutions that address the problems.
Bluewater is passionate about delivering viable alternatives to the problems behind the pollution that sees a million plastic bottles bought around the world every minute with just 9 percent of all plastic being recycled,” Bengt Rittri said.
#NoSingleUsePlastics For more information, please contact David Noble, Head of Communications, at +44 7785 302 694 or david.noble(at)bluewatergroup(dot)com Pdf Print

Melting Ice Sheets Are Releasing Toxins in Our Water — Bacteria Could Take Some of That Out of Play.
But the problem — and the possibility of microbial help — has significance for anyone on the planet.
Rivers of water flow over and through the sheet and out into the ocean, as shown below in a video taken by a UCLA research term during the massive Greenland ice sheet melt of 2012.
In addition to water, the Greenland ice sheet is also home to contaminants from locations around the world — stored in the "cryosphere."
The cryosphere is the habitat of frozen water, snow, and ice, that cover many parts of the planet.
Part of the life in the cryosphere of the Greenland ice sheet is microbial, and it is called " cryoconite."
The toxic tide of human pollutants finds itself partly written in the ice sheets of Greenland, and seems to be mixing it up with its foxhole partners, the icy microbes that live there.
Partial research findings include: Some microbes already identified from contaminated environments in other regions of the world are related to organisms found in these samples.
Other bacteria located in the ice sheet samples are related to microbes less sensitive to lead, arsenic, and possibly copper.
The study found that microbial communities from all the sampling sites in the Greenland ice sheet showed some ability to resist, or remediate, contamination melting out of the ice.

Melting Ice Sheets Are Releasing Toxins in Our Water — Bacteria Could Take Some of That Out of Play.
But the problem — and the possibility of microbial help — has significance for anyone on the planet.
Rivers of water flow over and through the sheet and out into the ocean, as shown below in a video taken by a UCLA research term during the massive Greenland ice sheet melt of 2012.
In addition to water, the Greenland ice sheet is also home to contaminants from locations around the world — stored in the "cryosphere."
The cryosphere is the habitat of frozen water, snow, and ice, that cover many parts of the planet.
Part of the life in the cryosphere of the Greenland ice sheet is microbial, and it is called " cryoconite."
The toxic tide of human pollutants finds itself partly written in the ice sheets of Greenland, and seems to be mixing it up with its foxhole partners, the icy microbes that live there.
Partial research findings include: Some microbes already identified from contaminated environments in other regions of the world are related to organisms found in these samples.
Other bacteria located in the ice sheet samples are related to microbes less sensitive to lead, arsenic, and possibly copper.
The study found that microbial communities from all the sampling sites in the Greenland ice sheet showed some ability to resist, or remediate, contamination melting out of the ice.

PUNE, India, Jun 23, 2017 (PR Newswire Europe via COMTEX) — PUNE, India, June 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — The report"Microbiological Testing of Water Marketby Pathogen (Bacteria, Protozoa, Viruses), Water Type (Drinking & Bottled Water, Industrial Water), Type (Instruments, Test Kits & Reagents), Industry, and Region – Global Forecast to 2022", published by MarketsandMarkets(TM), the market is projected to reach a value of USD 1.59 Billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 7.0% from 2017 to 2022 Browse 108 market data Tables and 50 Figures spread through 201 Pages and in-depth TOC on"Microbiological Testing of Water Market" http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/microbiological-testing-of-water-market-13 4733441.html [http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/microbiological-testing-of-water-market-134733441.html?utm_source=PRnewswires&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=PRnewswire ] Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report.
The market is driven by factors such as increase in microbial contamination in water reservoirs due to increased urban waste, growth in microbial contamination in water reservoirs due to climatic conditions, rise in disease outbreaks due to microbial contaminated water, stringent regulations for microbial water quality monitoring, and growth in demand for rapid test methods for cost and time effectiveness.
The demand for test kits & reagents is increasing globally, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, where China is witnessing a high demand due to industrial and urban development.
The severity of the infection is generating the demand for Salmonella water testing, which is in turn driving the market for Salmonella water testing solutions.
"Significant growth for microbiological testing of water is observed in the Asia-Pacific region" The decrease in availability of drinkable water in this region has led to a significant increase in the demand for water processing.
The region is emerging as a huge market for microbiological testing of water due to rise in awareness of microbial water contaminants and their impact on health.
The report Microbiological Testing of Water Market includes a study of marketing and development strategies, along with the product portfolios of leading companies.
Browse related reports: Water Quality Monitoring Market by Product Type (TOC Analyzers, pH Meters, Dissolved Oxygen Analyzers, Conductivity Sensors, Turbidity Meters), Application (Laboratories, Industrial, Commercial Spaces, Government Buildings), and Region – Global Forecast to 2025 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/water-quality-monitoring-market-72412644.h tml [http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/water-quality-monitoring-market-72412644.html?utm_source=PRnewswires&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=PRnewswire ] Bottled Water Testing Equipment Market by Technology (Traditional, and Rapid), Component (Instruments, Consumables & Reagents, and Reference Material), Test Type (Microbiological, Chemical, Physical, Radiological), and Region – Global Forecast to 2021 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/bottled-water-testing-equipment-market-147 003570.html [http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/bottled-water-testing-equipment-market-147003570.html?utm_source=PRnewswires&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=PRnewswire ] About MarketsandMarkets(TM) MarketsandMarkets(TM) provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies’ revenues.
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Fecal Microbes In 60% of Sampled Wells.
Up to 60 percent of sampled wells in a Kewaunee County study contained fecal microbes, many of which are capable of making people and calves sick, two scientists told hundreds of local residents gathered at a public meeting Wednesday night.The microorganisms included Cryptosporidium, a parasite that comes from both people and animals.
“Obviously we shouldn’t have septic systems if they aren’t working.
The study tested water from 621 of them representing wells with various depths of soil to bedrock.
Seventy-nine of those wells were contaminated by a fecal microorganism — either a virus, parasite or bacteria — 62 of which were linked directly to either bovine or human sources.
Of the 12,200 people using private wells in the county, a projected 140 people per year are infected, as well as 1,700 calves.
“Some people have the money to fix it, but there are many people who can’t even find $500 dollars to put in a treatment system at one faucet,” he said.
Borchardt said when dangerous pathogens were found in private wells during the course of the study, homeowners got phone calls right away to alert them to the results.
The researchers placed autosamplers in three homes to continuously test water quality during periods of recharge.
“Even if the water’s not brown,” Borchardt said, “it doesn’t mean you aren’t drinking contaminated water.” Asked how to solve Kewaunee County’s water problems, Borchardt suggested an expensive fix.

FDA to Drug Manufacturers: Beware Water-Borne Contaminants.
“BCC can survive or multiply in a variety of non-sterile and water-based products because it is resistant to certain preservatives and antimicrobial agents,” FDA said in a statement.
“Detecting BCC bacteria is also a challenge and requires validated testing methods that take into consideration the unique characteristics of different BCC strains.” According to FDA, people exposed to BCC are at an increased risk for illness or infection, especially patients with compromised immune systems.
Recent Recalls In October 2016, an FDA investigation identified BCC in more than 10 lots of oral liquid docusate sodium produced by Florida-based contract manufacturer PharmaTech, which found the contaminant in its water system.
PharmaTech voluntarily recalled all its liquid products from 20 October 2015 through 15 July 2016 as a precautionary measure.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 60 cases of BCC infection in eight states.
What to Do FDA is specifically reminding drug manufacturers to: “Establish procedures designed to prevent objectionable microorganism contamination of non-sterile drug products, such as procedures to assure adequate quality of incoming materials, sanitary design, maintenance and cleaning of equipment, production and storage time limitations, and monitoring of environmental conditions (21 CFR 211.113(a)).
Use scientifically sound and appropriate acceptance criteria (e.g., USP Chapter <1111> Microbiological Examination of Non-sterile Products: Acceptance Criteria for Pharmaceutical Preparations and Substances for Pharmaceutical Use)8 and test procedures (e.g., USP <61>/<62> Microbiological Examination of Non-sterile Products: Microbial Enumeration Tests and Tests for Specified Microorganisms, respectively) to assure that drug product components (including pharmaceutical water) and finished drug products conform to appropriate quality standards (21 CFR 211.160(b)).
Ensure that the methods used to test finished drug products prior to release for distribution are appropriately validated, accurate, sensitive, specific and reproducible (21 CFR 211.165).
Test in-process materials during the production process (e.g., at commencement or completion of significant phases, or after storage for long periods), using valid in-process specifications to assure, among other things, that the drug product will meet its final specification, including criteria for absence of microbial contamination, where appropriate (21 CFR 211.110).

What’s the difference between a Water Quality Advisory and a Boil Water Notice?.
To add to that, there are three types of alerts, a Water Quality Advisory, a Boil Water Notice and lastly a Do Not Use Notice.
What is turbidity?
Measuring Water Quality Good quality water (<1 NTU) – No alert Even when the water measures low turbidity levels, it is still recommended that newborns and people with compromised immune systems drink boiled water or a safe alternative if they are served by an unfiltered water source.
Poor quality water (>5 NTU) – Boil Water Notice When turbidity levels surpass 5 NTU, all users should drink boiled water or a safe alternative like bottled water.
A Water Quality Advisory is issued in situations in which the public health risk posed by the water supply system is modest or when the turbidity is between 1 – 5 NTU.
Status of the major water purveyors in the Central Okanagan The South East Kelowna Irrigation District (SEKID) – use this link to see who services you within City of Kelowna boundaries.
Within West Kelowna there are several systems.
Killiney Beach – Boil Water Notice Westshore Estates – Boil Water Notice Falcon Ridge (Part of the Regional District) For updates on their systems click here.
Peachland has three water sources and is currently on a Boil Water Notice.

This country lowered its hygiene test standards so 75 bottled water makers could pass.
Image: Shutterstock / Tarasyuk Igor You might want to be careful the next time you reach for a bottle of water in Myanmar.
Some 70 drinking water brands were granted brand licenses despite failing FDA-administered tests, after the government decided it was easier to lower test standards than for the brands to improve the quality of their water.
All water brands in Myanmar were previously required to contain less than 100 colonies per millilitre — the same standard used in places like the US and EU.
However, several of the brands that failed had over 300 colonies per millilitre.
"In U.S. and the E.U., the standard is 100 bacterial colonies.
Our standard was also [set at that level] but that was apparently too high for domestic brands," FDA director-general Dr Than Htut told news outlet Eleven.
Dr Htut added that the country "still won’t approve any brands whose drinking water contains coliform bacteria, including E.coli".
The FDA declined to reveal the brands that initially failed the microbial test.
Clean water is one of Myanmar’s biggest problems — in a country where it is unsafe to drink tap water, many still draw water from unprotected wells as they cannot afford or have no access to bottled water.