Water disinfection and biofilm prevention: Natural liquids reliably and environmentally friendly disinfect process and cooling water

The Hydro-L.O.G.s are directly added to the cooling or process water, reliably preventing the formation of a biofilm composed of harmful bacteria, algae, and fungi. (Source: CuraSolutions GmbH/Shutterstock)

In many industries, water is an essential part of the production process and is subject to strict purity requirements. However, recycling is often carried out using aggressive methods that can significantly impact the environment. (Source: CuraSolutions GmbH/Shutterstock)

The addition of the Hydro-L.O.G.s is carried out via a dosing system that automatically releases the active ingredient into the water. (Source: CuraSolutions GmbH)

Still, aggressive disinfectants are used for sterilization and disinfection. However, this approach has disadvantages: many biocides are environmentally harmful and pose health risks. Additionally, the disposal of toxic substances is often complicated and costly. To minimize the risks to the environment and the health of users, CuraSolutions GmbH has developed HYDRO L.O.G. This effect-enhanced formulation for the antimicrobial treatment of water-containing liquids and biofilms present in water contains exclusively biodegradable, antimicrobial active substances. This eliminates the need for expensive disposal. The application is carried out by directly adding it to cooling or process water.

The economy depends on sterile water: in many industries, it is needed for cooling and manufacturing various products. "Over time, biofilms form in the systems in the form of slimy deposits, in which microorganisms remain metabolically active and are protected from physical and chemical hazards," explains Dr. Wolfgang Fürlinger, Managing Director of CuraSolutions GmbH. To combat pathogenic microorganisms such as Legionella pneumophila, biocides are used. "However, these often contain aggressive, and under certain circumstances even toxic, ingredients."

Furthermore, authorities have only recently become aware of another problem: according to the Federal Environment Agency, disinfectants are increasingly being disposed of improperly, significantly contaminating waters and soils. Despite the danger to humans and the environment, around 50,000 different biocidal products are marketed across Europe; alone, 18,000 of these are in Germany. Many of the biocidal products circulating in Europe do not have proven necessity for use, criticizes the Pestizid Aktions-Netzwerk e.V. PAN Germany.

Natural sterilization without environmentally harmful consequences

The cleaning of wastewater is becoming increasingly complex. Many companies now treat or pre-treat wastewater to reuse it in their own water cycle and reduce consumption. The complexity of reprocessing depends on the intended use. Sometimes, the water must be purified, de-carbonized, desalinated, or filtered before reuse. "If cooling water is not sufficiently cleaned, significant operational disruptions and corrosion can occur, leading to failure of system components and high costs," says Fürlinger. However, the disinfection methods used are often still based on aggressive procedures that endanger the health of users.

Therefore, CuraSolutions aimed to develop an environmentally compatible process. The company found hydrogen peroxide: the hydrogen-oxygen compound is used in the animal kingdom, among other things, to defend against pests and germs. Unlike most other biocides, these natural defense tactics do not cause environmental damage. Based on hydrogen peroxide, CuraSolutions developed the effect-enhanced HYDRO L.O.G. for disinfecting water-carrying systems, cooling and process water, as well as for disinfecting drinking water systems. The active ingredient is embedded in natural packaging, which facilitates penetration of biofilms or bacterial walls. Its effect begins at very low concentrations, making HYDRO L.O.G. very efficient and economical to use. Additionally, HYDRO L.O.G. is biodegradable, highly material-compatible, and non-corrosive.

Direct addition to water-carrying systems prevents biofilm formation

"HYDRO L.O.G. is added directly to process water as a ready-to-use solution. Depending on the amount of water in the system and the degree of contamination, about one to five percent of the liquid, odorless active ingredient mixture is necessary to achieve optimal disinfection," explains Fürlinger. The addition is carried out automatically by dosing devices tailored to the water-carrying systems.

This reliably prevents biofilm formation through high sterilization rates. While conventional hydrogen peroxide achieves a log reduction between two and four, the disinfection rate of the active ingredients developed by CuraSolutions averages around 5.5. A log reduction of > 5.31 has been demonstrated for Legionella pneumophila. "We only use products that are harmless to humans and toxicologically safe, so users do not need to take special protective measures during dosing. Due to its high efficiency, HYDRO L.O.G. also exerts its antimicrobial effect even in drain areas and does not pose a burden to soils, groundwater, or downstream treatment plants," summarizes Fürlinger.