[CPEO-MEF] Biotreatment of perchlorate in drinking water

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@cpeo.org>]

Well testing water system
Technology uses bacteria

Nikki Cobb
San Bernardino County Sun (CA)
October 15, 2005

Mention bacteria, and most people think of disease and decay. But the 
single-celled, microscopic "bugs" might be the key to providing 
affordable, safe water to thousands of Inland Empire residents.

Bioremediation using bacteria to clean groundwater has been used for 
years in Europe to treat nitrate-tainted water. But it's gaining ground 
in Southern California to remove perchlorate from water supplies.

"Perchlorate is showing up everywhere," said Peter Hall, a consultant to 
the Riverside-based Center for Environmental Microbiology. "The problem 
with perchlorate is pretty much universal, and we're in a hot spot."

Perchlorate, an ingredient in rocket fuel, fireworks and munitions, has 
been seeping toward area underground water supplies since World War II. 
It is thought to cause thyroid malfunction, particularly in infants.

The center is testing the technology at one of the West Valley Water 
District's Rialto wells. If it's successful and cost-effective, other 
water providers say they'll consider it, too.

...

For the entire article, see
http://www2.sbsun.com/news/ci_3118471

--
Lenny Siegel
Director, Center for Public Environmental Oversight
c/o PSC, 278-A Hope St., Mountain View, CA 94041
Voice: 650/961-8918 or 650/969-1545
Fax: 650/961-8918
http://www.cpeo.org

_______________________________________________
Military mailing list
Military@list.cpeo.org
http://www.cpeo.org/mailman/listinfo/military