Removal of selected microorganisms using silver-impregnated and coated, low-cost, micro-porous, ceramic water filters

2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Simonis ◽  
Muzi Ndwandwe ◽  
Albert Basson ◽  
Tlou Selepe
Keyword(s):  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Porous Ceramic ◽  
Nano Particles ◽  
Ceramic Filter ◽  
Poor People ◽  
Ceramic Surface ◽  
Household Water Treatment ◽  
Poor Countries ◽  
Ceramic Water Filters

There is great need to purify the contaminated water which the poor people in Africa have access to, and make it safe for drinking in a way that is affordable and effective. A particular challenge is the removal of pathogenic bacteria and viruses, which traditionally are eliminated by expensive nano-filtration or reverse osmosis. An added requirement is satisfying the recent recommendation of the WHO for household water-treatment systems to eliminate 99.99% of microbial contamination, which is proving exceptionally difficult to achieve in poor countries at a cost they can afford. We report on the successful testing of a low-cost, locally produced ceramic filter that has the potential to meet the WHO criterion at a cost of US$10 per year. In one version the filter consisted of a silver-impregnated, highly porous ceramic; in another modification silver nano particles were incorporated on the ceramic surface. The silver-impregnated filter was tested on water samples contaminated with selected Gram negative bacteria: Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, for its oligodynamic effect and for its effective reduction of bacteriophages. The ceramic filters reduced the viral count by 94–99% and we believe that, with further development, our prototype is easily capable of achieving the WHO criterion.

Removal of microbes to World Health Organization requirements using a locally developed, low cost, micro-porous, ceramic water filter

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 620-624 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. J. Simonis ◽  
A. K. Basson ◽  
T. Selepe
Keyword(s):  
Water Treatment ◽  
World Health Organization ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Porous Ceramic ◽  
Cryptosporidium Oocyst ◽  
Ceramic Filter ◽  
World Health ◽  
The World ◽  
Infective Dose ◽  
Health Organization

The quality of drinking water can no longer be taken for granted and has been the subject of tremendous attention from pressure groups and the media due to poor service delivery in South Africa. Furthermore, many of the older water treatment plants are incapable of effectively reducing microbes to safe levels. Unfortunately there are various definitions of ‘safe’. The South African government considers 10 or less viable Cryptosporidium oocysts an infective dose, while the USA and UK governments believe that one viable Cryptosporidium oocyst is an infective dose. To add to the confusion the World Health Organization recommends above 99.99% microbial reduction as safe. In Africa it really depends on how compromised your immune system is and age and nutritional level at the time of consumption of contaminated water. How can anyone protect themselves from consuming water contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms? The ceramic filter offers the poor a simple, effective and economical way of producing potable water. We report on the successful testing of a low-cost, locally produced ceramic filter (OUTBAC) with removal efficiencies in excess of 99.99% that therefore meets the World Health Organization household water treatment system criterion for safe water for a family of five at an affordable cost per year.

scholarly journals Household Production of Ceramic Water Filters in Western Rajasthan, India

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandeep Gupta ◽  
Raj Kumar Satankar ◽  
Amrita Kaurwar ◽  
Usha Aravind ◽  
Muhammad Sharif ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Ceramic Filter ◽  
Firing Process ◽  
Ambient Temperatures ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Ceramic Water Filters ◽  
Optimal Filtration ◽  
Functional Features ◽  
Water Filters ◽  
Critical Investigation

Frustum shaped clay ceramic water filters are being manufactured by the potters of the Thar Desert in India for household use. The clay composite consists of a homogeneous mixture of equal volume of clay and sawdust. A low-cost manual press, to form the clay composite into frustum shape, is developed by the present authors. This article elaborates critical investigation of the specific traditional clay-firing technique used, to achieve the required functionality and material property of the filters. Household based manufacturing of these filters is found to be markedly different from factory based production by firing process. The functional features of the clay ceramic filter, such as microbial filtration rate, flow rate, and compressive strength, are evaluated and presented. An E. coli bacteria removal efficiency of more than 99% is achieved using these clay ceramic water filters. Optimal filtration rates are achieved between ambient temperatures ranging from 30oC - 40oC.

Manufacture of a low-cost ceramic microporous filter for the elimination of microorganisms causing common diseases

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. J. Simonis ◽  
A. K. Basson
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Suspended Solids ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Slip Casting ◽  
Casting Process ◽  
Ceramic Filter ◽  
Water Filter ◽  
Clean Drinking Water

Africa is one of the most water-scarce continents on earth and the lack of potable water is responsible for the death of approximately 4,900 children every day. An effective way of making sure that water is of good quality is by decontaminating it by means of a household ceramic water filter. The low-cost water filters suitable for the removal of suspended solids, pathogenic bacteria and other toxins from drinking water were developed using the traditional slip casting process. The locally produced filter has the advantage of low cost due to the usage of locally available raw materials, labour and expertise. Furthermore, the project provides opportunities for local financing and innovation. The product was tested using water contaminated with high concentrations of selected bacterial cultures as well as with water from local polluted streams. The ceramic filter was found to be highly effective in removing the bacteria and suspended solids from the contaminated water. With correct cleaning and basic maintenance, this filter can effectively provide clean drinking water for rural families affected by polluted surface water sources. This could provide a low-cost solution for the more than 250 million people without access to clean drinking water in Africa.

DEVELOPMENT OF CONTINUOUS ANTI-SOLVENT RECRYSTALLIZATION METHOD TO PRODUCE CEFTRIAXONE SODIUM NANO CRYSTALS INJECTION USING CERAMIC FILTRATION

2021 ◽  
Vol 74 (9) ◽  
pp. 2323-2336
Author(s):  
Firas Aziz Rahi ◽  
Krar Kadhim Mj
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Water Purification ◽  
Porous Ceramic ◽  
Ceramic Filter ◽  
Dissolution Time ◽  
Mixing Rate ◽  
Ceftriaxone Sodium ◽  
Continuous Recrystallization ◽  
Ceramic Filtration ◽  
Clear Solution

The aim: In this work we developed a method of continuous recrystallization to meet industrial requirements. Materials and methods: Continuous recrystallization method was investigated using porous ceramic filter for water purification with pour size less than 1 μm, that ensures high mixing rate of ethanol and water. Results and conclusions: The results of experiments using crystallization through ceramic filter, gives superior products in particle size, and produced needle shaped ceftriaxone crystals form, that showed significant improvement in dissolution time and obtained ceftriaxone sodium powder to be reconstituted in injectable formula that give clear solution without insoluble microparticles.

THE FEASIBILITY OF KAOLIN AS MAIN MATERIAL FOR LOW COST POROUS CERAMIC HOLLOW FIBRE MEMBRANE PREPARED USING COMBINED PHASE INVERSION AND SINTERING TECHNIQUE

2017 ◽  
Vol 79 (1-2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Siti Khadijah Hubadillah ◽  
Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman ◽  
A. F. Ismail ◽  
Mukhlis A. Rahman ◽  
Juhana Jaafar
Keyword(s):  
Phase Inversion ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Pure Water ◽  
Porous Ceramic ◽  
Water Flux ◽  
Hollow Fibre ◽  
Hollow Fibre Membrane ◽  
Fibre Membrane ◽  
Pure Water Flux ◽  
And Performance

Ceramic hollow fibre membrane (CHFM) demonstrated superior characteristics and performance in any separation application. The only problem associated with this kind of technology is the high cost. In order to effectively fabricate and produce low cost porous CHFM, a series of CHFMs made of kaolin were fabricated via combined phase inversion and sintering technique. The CHFMs from kaolin named as kaolin hollow fibre membranes (KHFMs) were studied at different kaolin contents of 35 wt.%, 37.5 wt.% and 40 wt.% sintered at 1200ºC. The result indicated that by varying kaolin contents, different morphologies were obtained due to changes in the viscosity of ceramic suspension containing kaolin. The optimum kaolin content for KHFM was identified. It was found that KHFM prepared at 37.5 wt% has a mechanical strength and pure water flux of A and B respectively.  

scholarly journals Neurosurgical digital teaching in low-middle income countries: beyond the frontiers of traditional education

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. E17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Nicolosi ◽  
Zefferino Rossini ◽  
Ismail Zaed ◽  
Angelos G. Kolias ◽  
Maurizio Fornari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Scientific Validity ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Poor Countries ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Standard Education ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries ◽  
Learning Programs

OBJECTIVENeurosurgical training is usually based on traditional sources of education, such as papers, books, direct surgical experience, and cadaveric hands-on courses. In low-middle income countries, standard education programs are often unavailable, mainly owing to the lack of human and economic resources. Introducing digital platforms in these settings could be an alternative solution for bridging the gap between Western and poor countries in neurosurgical knowledge.METHODSThe authors identified from the Internet the main digital platforms that could easily be adopted in low-middle income countries. They selected free/low-cost mobile content with high educational impact.RESULTSThe platforms that were identified as fulfilling the characteristics described above are WFNS Young Neurosurgeons Forum Stream, Brainbook, NeuroMind, UpSurgeOn, The Neurosurgical Atlas, Touch surgery, The 100 UCLA Subjects in Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Survival Guide, EANS (European Association of Neurosurgical Societies) Academy, Neurosurgical.TV, 3D Neuroanatomy, The Rhoton Collection, and Hinari. These platforms consist of webinars, 3D interactive neuroanatomy and neurosurgery content, videos, and e-learning programs supported by neurosurgical associations or journals.CONCLUSIONSDigital education is an emerging tool for contributing to the spread of information in the neurosurgical community. The continuous improvement in the quality of content will rapidly increase the scientific validity of digital programs. In conclusion, the fast and easy access to digital resources could contribute to promote neurosurgical education in countries with limited facilities.

scholarly journals The Oleaginous Yeast Metschnikowia pulcherrima Displays Killer Activity against Avian-Derived Pathogenic Bacteria

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1227
Author(s):  
Robert H. Hicks ◽  
Mauro Moreno-Beltrán ◽  
Deborah Gore-Lloyd ◽  
Christopher J. Chuck ◽  
Daniel A. Henk
Keyword(s):  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Industrial Applications ◽  
Microbial Interactions ◽  
Bacterial Strains ◽  
Bacterial Killing ◽  
Killer Activity ◽  
Metschnikowia Pulcherrima ◽  
Livestock Health ◽  
Yeast Interactions

Metschnikowia pulcherrima is a non-conventional yeast with potential to be used in biotechnological processes, especially those involving low-cost feedstock exploitation and biocontrol applications. The combination of traits that supports these industrial applications in M. pulcherrima also makes it an attractive option to study in the context of livestock health. In this study, we examined the specific interactions between M. pulcherrima and multiple avian pathogenic bacteria. We tested individual bacteria–yeast interactions and bacterial combinations in both solid and liquid media and in variable nutrient environments. Across multiple isolates of M. pulcherrima, we observed different levels of antimicrobial activity, varying from supporting the growth of competing bacteria through suppression and bacterial killing, and we found that these responses varied depending on the bacterial strains and media. We identified multiple molecular routes, including proteins produced by M. pulcherrima strains, that acted to control these microbial interactions. Furthermore, protein screening revealed that M. pulcherrima strains were induced to produce proteins specifically when exposed to bacterial strains, suggesting that fine-tuned mechanisms allow M. pulcherrima to function as a potential lynchpin in a microbial community.

scholarly journals Synthesis of Silver Nano Particles from Adansonia digitata Leaf Extract and Its Antimicrobial Properties

2020 ◽  
pp. 10-22
Author(s):  
A. O. Akintola ◽  
A. M. Azeez ◽  
B. D. Kehinde ◽  
I. C. Oladipo
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Antimicrobial Activity ◽  
Aspergillus Niger ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Leaf Extract ◽  
Biomedical Application ◽  
Nano Particles ◽  
Diffusion Method ◽  
Adansonia Digitata ◽  
Inhibition Zones

Silver nano particles (AgNPs) were green synthesized using Adansonia digitata leaf extract. The synthesized silver nano particles were characterized in terms of synthesis, size, shape, morphology and capping functionalities by UV-Visible Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Antimicrobial activity of the synthesized silver nano particles was investigated by well diffusion method. The antibacterial activity of the nano particle was studied against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeurigunosa, Salmonella typhi and Klebsiella pneumonae while the antifungal activity was studied against Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Penicillum notatum and Rhizopus stolomifer. The synthesized AgNPs was active against all the studied microorganisms. Staphylococcus aureus was the most susceptible bacterium (inhibition zones ranging from 12.00 to 28.00 mm, MIC: 30 µl, MBC: 50 µl) while Aspergillus niger was the most susceptible fungi (inhibition zones ranging from 10.00 to 18.00 mm, MIC: 90 µl, MFC: 120 µl. In conclusion the synthesized silver nanoparticles was found to have antimicrobial activity against the pathogenic bacteria and fungi tested and hence has a great potential in biomedical application for the treatment of microbial infections.

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