Bacteria and nanofilters–the future of clean water technology

February 13, 2008 | Source: PhysOrg.com

University of Nottingham researchers are using bacterial bioremediation in combination with membrane filtration techniques to improve water cleaning technology.

The bacteria eat contaminants present in water, which is then filtered through membranes with pore sizes of ten microns to one nanometer.

Current membrane technology decreases in efficiency over time, as membranes become fouled with contaminants. With bioremediation, the membranes are automatically cleaned. In addition, waste products can be used as fuels.