Development and validation of a low-cost, bio- and nano-based innovative technology for drinking water disinfection

• Grant number: 20/12867-2
• Support type: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Regular Research Grants
• Duration: April 01, 2021 - March 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal researcher: Cristiane Angélica Ottoni
• Grantee: Cristiane Angélica Ottoni
• Home Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB-CLP). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus Experimental do Litoral Paulista. São Vicente , SP, Brazil
• Assoc. researchers: Alfredo Eduardo Maiorano ; André Guimarães Lemos Antunes ; Denis Moledo de Souza Abessa ; Edison Barbieri ; Fernando Cesar Perina ; Marta Filipa Jesus de Freitas Simões ; Roberto Carlos Domingues Martins ; Susana Patrícia Mendes Loureiro

Abstract

Public water supply, when not properly treated, may become the source of several pathogenic microorganisms, a major societal problem in developing countries. Due to their unique physical and chemical properties, some nanoparticles (NP) are used as new antimicrobial agents. Amongst the most promising NP with antimicrobial properties, silver (Ag), gold (Au) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) have been described. Although the use of synthetic NP is the most widespread, there is a growing interest in using biological NP of these metals since they show less toxicity to aquatic and terrestrial organisms. This project aims at developing a new eco-friendly, low-cost, easy-to-use and bio-based solution for water disinfection in the treatment of drinking water. It will be based upon the biosynthesis of Ag, Au and TiO2 NPs, produced by marine fungi, and displaying antimicrobial activity. In general terms, the NPs will be immobilized, by encapsulation, in alginate and/or chitosan gel, and applied as a filling in a low-cost fixed bed reactor, aiming at the treatment of drinking water through a continuous process. NP will be coated with alginate and/or chitosan, incorporated into a low-cost system for the treatment of drinking water. Ecotoxicity studies will also be performed on freshwater organisms to insure that the new solution does not pose environmental risks. (AU)