The Living Filter: Characterization of the Structure & Function of the Biofilm in BioSand Drinking Water Systems
Presentation Type
Oral and/or Visual Presentation
Presenter Major(s)
Biology
Mentor Information
Bopi Biddanda
Department
Annis Water Resource Institute (AWRI)
Location
Kirkhof Center 1104
Start Date
11-4-2012 4:00 PM
Keywords
Environment, Health, Life Science, Sustainability
Abstract
Freshwater is a shrinking resource. Overuse and contamination in underdeveloped countries have resulted in unsafe drinking water. An inexpensive remedy is the use of Biosand filters delivering safe potable water. Several HydrAid® BioSand filters manufactured in Michigan are now used around the world. Whereas physical filtration of particulate impurities through sand is well known, there is poor understanding of the active microbial biofilm involved in ridding water of harmful contaminants. My research addresses this void by rigorously studying the structure and function of the biofilm in the BioSand filter. My hypotheses are: the biofilm is the life or active component of the Biosand filter and the biofilm itself is an active food web. My results show that the Biosand filter can sufficiently remove pathogens, such as Total Coliforms. Findings will contribute to scientific understanding of biofilms and establish a scientific basis for operation of Biofilter systems.
The Living Filter: Characterization of the Structure & Function of the Biofilm in BioSand Drinking Water Systems
Kirkhof Center 1104
Freshwater is a shrinking resource. Overuse and contamination in underdeveloped countries have resulted in unsafe drinking water. An inexpensive remedy is the use of Biosand filters delivering safe potable water. Several HydrAid® BioSand filters manufactured in Michigan are now used around the world. Whereas physical filtration of particulate impurities through sand is well known, there is poor understanding of the active microbial biofilm involved in ridding water of harmful contaminants. My research addresses this void by rigorously studying the structure and function of the biofilm in the BioSand filter. My hypotheses are: the biofilm is the life or active component of the Biosand filter and the biofilm itself is an active food web. My results show that the Biosand filter can sufficiently remove pathogens, such as Total Coliforms. Findings will contribute to scientific understanding of biofilms and establish a scientific basis for operation of Biofilter systems.