Bacteria Lab
Test Results

Results and Discussion:

The results of the 19 day bacterial challenge test are shown in Table 2. For the first seven days Enterobacter was injected into the influent water stream and the survivors that passed through the test device were measured. There were endogenous bacteria (naturally occurring water bacteria other than Enterobacter) present in the model water system at the beginning of the testing, and there was a large reduction in these bacteria as a result of passage through the water treatment device. The results shown in Table 2 for the first seven days of testing show the Enterobacter survivors only. The measurements after 11 and 19 days, during which time no additional Enterobacter was injected into the system, the results in Table 2 show the percent reduction in these endogenous bacteria (no Enterobacter survivors were detected).

This testing showed that the water treatment device is bacteriostatic and does not stimulate the growth of Enterobacter nor does it provide an environment that promotes survival. In addition, the device is effective in reducing the concentration of Enterobacter or other endogenous bacteria present in the influent water (bactericidal effect) and thus may be useful in the control of potentially harmful bacteria that may inadvertently enter potable water supplies.

By John W. Wireman, PhD
Dated February 25, 1991