Innovative electrodes to control the process of copper and silver ionization to abate, control and prevent Legionella outbreaks in water distribution systems

Since the first case was documented in Minnesota in 1957, Legionella has become a worldwide public health concern. Thereafter, pneumonia caused by Legionella became known as the Legionnaires’ disease. EU data shows that there is an increase in the number of registered cases of Legionellosis in the EU. Several methods have been developed to abate, control and prevent growth of Legionella in water distribution systems. One of the most effective methods is copper-silver ionization. This method is based on channeling the water through a device that applies low potential electricity to copper and silver electrodes. The positively charged copper and silver ions released, form electrostatic bonds with negatively charged sites on bacterial cell walls; this leads to cell lysis and cell death.

The main objective of this project is to develop, construct and test an innovative analytical process control system, based on innovative Hg-free micro-electrodes combined with a self-adaptive intelligent controller. Further the system will be provided with a wireless communication interface which will allow remote control/configuration of the device over the internet and as well operation of central data recording server.