Bacteria is all around us and has become a large focus when Battling Stormwater Bacteria. Thousands of types of bacteria can be found in stormwater, but the most toxic types associated with stormwater are faecal matter contamination. This can be caused by either animal waste, or even by human waste as a result of a sewage overflow or just stormwater runoff from sites knows to contain faecal matter.
What kind of bacteria can be found in stormwater?
Coliform bacteria, also known as E-Coli is a bacteria found in the intestines of warm blooded animals, and common in stormwater.
Campylobacteria is another dangerous bacteria that can be found in stormwater, and is a result of faecal matter from birds and livestock. Campylobacteria, is able to survive in saltwater, thus can affect fish and other sea life and seafood.
Pseudomonas bacteria is one of the most abundant bacteria in urban stormwater runoff and can cause swimmer’s ear.
Strepticocci and staphylococci are common in the intestines of warm blooded animals and humans as well, and is not harmful unless it is exposed to skin, cuts or mucus membranes. It is very difficult to treat and also can be common in urban runoff areas.
How can you stay protected from the bacteria?
Discharging water-soluble antimicrobials or disinfectants is not acceptable by the EPA as a solution, as they would have an adverse effect on aquatic life by contaminating the streams and surface waters they drain into.
The Ultra-X-Tex® Anti-Microbial, or X-Tex AM fabric was developed by covalently bonding an antimicrobial nano-structure to its fibres that will not leach or dilute from the fabric, even after repeated washings.
The patented antimicrobial can be utilized in stormwater catch basins products such as our Ultra Drain Guards, or as a custom solution based upon various applications. The X-Tex AM fabric works on microorganisms by molecular physical penetration, electrostatic attraction and electrocution. This physical, rather than chemical reaction is thus not harmful to good bacteria or other animals and sea life. The antimicrobial spectrum is specific to single cell organisms such as bacteria, fungi, yeast and algae.
For more information about Ultra-X-Tex® or our range of drain guard products, and how it may help you solve your stormwater bacterial problem, give ph7 International a call on 0800 323 223 or contact us on enquiries@ph7.co.nz
