The potentials of using sodium chloride to reduce Legionella in industrial cooling water : desalination of sodium chloride induced water using osmosis technology

Abstract

Legionella is a bacteria known to cause Legionnaires’ disease. The disease affects the lower respiratory system through exposure to aerosols containing L. pneumophila. People with lower immune system or with higher age are more prone to developing the disease. L. pneumophila are present in many natural and man-made water systems. The risks connected to contracting Legionnaires’ disease creates the need for further study and development regarding removal of Legionella spp. The thesis will go thru experimental testing where lake water is stored for a period before being subjected to treatment with sodium chloride (NaCl). The tests are targeted for Legionella treatment in water that are applied for industrial purposes such as cooling water. The lake water will be subjected to various concentrations of NaCl to study the effects. Testing will be performed using BCYE + AB culture plates which acts as a medium that are selective for Legionella spp. detection. The thesis will also present a desalination method using RO and/or FO to remove the NaCl from the treated lake water.