Research & Development

Birgitta Bedford, one of the founders of ProEconomy, is near to completing her PhD study into Legionella control at Cranfield University, UK.

During the first year Birgitta researched the behaviour of Legionella in water systems, the detection of Legionella, the efficacy of all available techniques to control Legionella in water systems, and the toxicity of copper and silver.

To aid this Birgitta set up two small scale rigs in copper and polyethylene piping, simulating closed circuit water systems of hospitals, care homes, hotels, etc., to compare the development of natural biofilms. Each rig incorporates removable sections to examine biofilm density and daily water analysis is carried out to determine bacterial growth. Birgitta expects to find heavier biofilm formation and bacterial growth in the plastic piped rig.

Legionella pneumophila and non-pneumophila species developed in both rigs and Birgitta is closely monitoring their behaviour.

She is also monitoring biofilm penetration and elimination of Legionella in the biofilm due to the copper and silver ions released by the Orca system into each rig, to compare the efficacy of the ions in both.

Additionally, Birgitta is hoping to find the point at which ionic silver becomes less active due to complexing with counter ions in water and she is conducting comprehensive tests into the development of resistance by Legionella to copper and silver.

For further information on any of these research projects please contact Birgitta via email to birgitta@proeconomy.com or by phoning
+44 (0) 1525 854111 during office hours.