A water filter against pathogens
Legionella is a bacterial species known to cause Legionnaires' disease, a pneumonia condition commonly associated with contaminated air cooling systems. To prevent Legionella outbreaks, innovative products are required to monitor indoor climate control and water distribution systems.The LEGIOTEX water filtering system constitutes just such an innovation and was generated to inhibit the growth and proliferation of Legionella species. The system consisted of a disposable filter cartridge containing bactericides fixed onto non-woven textiles. Sensors were also included in order to monitor the overall performance of the unit.During the EU-funded LEGIOTEX-DEMO project, a prototype of this system was installed in three different locations. The efficacy of the system was assessed in an apartment building in Germany, a hospital in Spain and a nursing home in Italy. The inputs from these tests were used to optimise the individual components of the filtering unit.The system was installed in line with the housing plumbing system and the biosensor indicated the possible accumulation of pathogens by measuring the water conductivity. An additional sensor monitored the overall pressure of the system. This real-time screening of biofilm formation and filter efficacy offers a substantial advantage over products that are currently available on the market.Dissemination of the LEGIOTEX filtering system was performed through contact with potential customers, a YouTube video and a workshop. It is envisaged that commercial exploitation of the LEGIOTEX filtering system will reduce the incidence of Legionnaires' disease and environmental pollution through the use of biodegradable biocides and recyclable components. >
