Managing the growth of bacteria and other small organisms in public waters is a concern for drinking water, food processing and industrial process streams.
One strategy to exclude these organisms from a water stream includes the use of diatoms that lived as long as 150Million years ago. A unique algae the forms a cell wall from hydrated silica. These walls have unique micro or nano size valves that are used for material transport while the organism is alive. After the diatom dies, it leaves its tiny architecture, perfect for trapping bacteria and other organisms behind. Diatoms used in water filtration are mined, cleaned and sold to food processors and water treatment facilities to prevent bacteria and other organisms from contaminating the final product. The use of diatomaceous earth does require employee training and in some cases special handling. However, with proper training and precautions, diatomaceous earth is a both a technically and economically attractive strategy for non-chlorinated removal of harmful bacteria.
