Portable pathogen deactivation method and apparatus

Abstract

A portable, non-filtering, microorganism deactivation device for treating water contaminated with harmful bacteria such as E. coli and fecal coliform, includes a housing, said housing containing a high porosity media saturated with an ionically charged material such as colloidal silver.

Claims

1. A method for deactivating water-borne pathogens in drinking water, comprising: placing 50 mL of distilled water and AgNO.sub.3 in a receptacle; adding 18 g of spherical zeolite particles to the receptacle, the zeolite particles having a diameter of 4.75 mm, a pore size of 10 angstroms, and a density of 689 grams per liter (43 pounds per cubic foot); letting the receptacle sit for no more than 60 minutes to obtain treated zeolite particles; removing the treated zeolite particles from the receptacle; allowing the resulting quantity of treated zeolite particles to dry; retaining the resulting quantity of the treated zeolite particles in a perforated cylindrical canister; obtaining a drink container with no more than 500 mL of drinking water, the drinking water contaminated with between 3,100 to 10,000 Colony Forming Counts (CFU) of E.coli per 100 mL; disposing the perforated cylinder canister within the drink container and stirring for no more than 30 seconds, thereby allowing the drinking water to flow through the perforated cylinder and thus around the treated zeolite particles, to deactivate the E.coli without filtering the E.coli from the drinking water; removing the perforated cylindrical canister from the drink container in no more than 30 seconds; and further resulting in deactivation of at least 99.9% of the E.coli in no more than 30 seconds.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein a charge of the E.coli is opposite to a charge of the treated zeolite particles.

3. The method of claim 1 additionally comprising: disposing the treated zeolite particles within a flexible liner disposed within said cylindrical canister.

4. The method of claim 1 additionally comprising: emptying the drink container; refilling the drink container with a second quantity of contaminated water having no more than 500 mL of drinking water contaminated with between 3,100 to 10,000 Colony Forming Counts (CFU) of E.coli per 100 mL; again disposing the perforated cylindrical canister in the drink container and stirring for no more than 30 seconds; again removing the perforated cylindrical canister from the drink container; and to again thereby deactivate at least 99% of the E.coli in the second quantity of contaminated drinking water.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The objects, advantages and features will be more clearly appreciated from the following detailed description, when taken with the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1A is an isometric view from the front of one embodiment of an exemplary portable, anti-bacterial water treatment device in accordance with one embodiment.

(3) FIG. 1B is a left side view of an exemplary portable, anti-bacterial water treatment device in accordance with one embodiment.

(4) FIG. 1C is a front view of an exemplary portable, anti-bacterial water treatment device in accordance with one embodiment.

(5) FIG. 1D is a top view of an exemplary portable, anti-bacterial water treatment device in accordance with one embodiment.

(6) FIG. 1E is a bottom view of one embodiment of an exemplary portable, anti-bacterial water treatment device.

(7) FIG. 2 is an isometric view of one embodiment of an exemplary portable, anti-bacterial is water treatment device.

(8) FIG. 3 is a side view of one embodiment of an exemplary portable, anti-bacterial water treatment device.

(9) FIG. 4A is an isometric view of one embodiment of an exemplary, enlarged volume modification of a portable anti-bacterial device.

(10) FIG. 4B is a top view of one embodiment of an exemplary, enlarged volume modification of a portable anti-bacterial device.

(11) FIG. 4C is a bottom view of one embodiment of an exemplary, enlarged volume modification of a portable anti-bacterial device.

(12) FIG. 5A is an isometric view of one embodiment of an exemplary, enlarged length modification of a portable anti-bacterial device.

(13) FIG. 5B is a top view of one embodiment of an exemplary, enlarged length modification of a portable anti-bacterial device.

(14) FIG. 5C is a bottom view of one embodiment of an exemplary, enlarged length modification of a portable anti-bacterial device.

(15) FIG. 6A is an isometric view of one embodiment of an exemplary, hole-optimized version of a portable anti-bacterial device.

(16) FIG. 6B is a bottom view of one embodiment of an exemplary, hole-optimized version of a portable anti-bacterial device.

(17) FIG. 6C is a bottom view of one embodiment of an exemplary, hole-optimized version of is a portable anti-bacterial device.

(18) FIG. 6D is an isometric view of one embodiment of an exemplary, hole-optimized version of a portable anti-bacterial device.

(19) FIG. 7A is an illustration, taken from actual filter paper used in counting bacteria, of the number of E. coli microorganisms found in a control sample of contaminated water before being passed through non-silver-treated media.

(20) FIG. 7B is an illustration, taken from actual filter paper used in counting bacteria, of the number of E. coli microorganisms found after being passed through non-silver-treated media.

(21) FIG. 8A is an illustration, taken from actual filter paper used in counting bacteria, of the number of E. coli microorganisms captured and incubated on a test filter according to the World Health Organization approved test to measure bacterial in drinking water.

(22) FIG. 8B is an illustration, taken from actual filter paper used in counting bacteria, of the number of E. coli microorganisms remaining after being treated for 30 seconds with one embodiment of the portable, anti-bacterial water treatment device according to the present invention.

(23) FIG. 9 is a side view of one embodiment of a portable anti-bacterial water treatment device according to the present invention.

(24) FIG. 10 is a side view of one embodiment of a portable anti-bacterial water treatment device according to the present invention.

(25) FIG. 11 is an illustration, approximately to scale, of a microporous media coated with colloidal silver next to an illustration, also approximately to scale with the media and silver colloids, of a typical E. coli pathogen.

(26) FIG. 12A is an isometric view of the top cap of the antibacterial device;

(27) FIG. 12B is a side view of the top cap of the antibacterial device.

(28) The following detailed description of the preferred embodiments is the best mode of use as currently contemplated. Such description is not intended to be comprehended or viewed in a way that would limit the application to these embodiments alone, but rather as an illustration, and with reference to the accompanying figures, so that those skilled in the art are well informed as to the practical method of use, its features, physical construction, and advantages.

(29) In addition, this patent application is intended to encompass alternative modifications, various related equivalent configurations and methods of use which may be included within the spirit and scope as defined only by the appended claims.

(30) Still further, in the following detailed description, many specific details are presented so as to give a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. However, embodiments may be practiced without these details. In some instances, well known methods, processes, components and physical configurations have specifically not been added in order to present the cleanest, most concise, most easily understood, and most likely practical aspects.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(31) A detailed description of example embodiments is as follows:

(32) This disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for rapid and low cost deactivation of harmful microorganisms in contaminated water in conditions under primitive or compromised conditions. Examples of primitive or compromised conditions include emergency relief situations, such as after a flood or earthquake or similar natural disaster, or situations where people are in transit due to military actions, or situations where people are in refugee camps. An official classification of people in conditions like those described above is ‘Displaced Persons’, and the World Health Organization (www.who.org) estimates there are currently over 40 million people in this category.

(33) The portable pathogen deactivation device contains a microporous medium that is treated with colloidal silver. The colloidal silver is absorbed into the media, and used in concentrations sufficient to deactivate bacteria and other pathogens that are contained in contaminated water. The deactivation of the bacteria like E. coli and fecal coliform renders the water drinkable. Also, once deactivated, these bacteria are rendered harmless for human consumption. “Bacteria”, as the term is used herein, refers to pathogens, like E. coli, fecal coliform, and other similarly sized pathogens that may be deactivated by exposure to colloidal silver.

(34) FIG. 1A shows an example of a portable pathogen deactivation device 10 comprising a canister 30 having a top portion 20 on top of which is mounted a fitting 21 containing a hole 22 through which a lanyard or string can be threaded for ease of carrying. Canister 30 has a bottom portion 40, and holes 31 are provided in the canister 30 to allow the flow of water through the device. Located in canister 30 is a quantity of media 33, shown in an exploded view, that have been treated with colloidal silver, the media retained in the canister by a screen material 32. The materials used to produce device 10, including canister 30, top portion 10, fitting 21, bottom portion 40 and the screen 32 may be a typical polymer plastic such as polycarbonate, acrylic, or other durable and lightweight materials that are inert in aqueous solutions including water. Plastics that can be injection molded may be desirable, as this manufacturing method can deliver high volumes of the device at low cost and with high quality and geometric precision. Also, injection molded plastics may be highly impact resistant, permitting the portable deactivation device to withstand considerable physical abuse without compromising its performance in deactivating bacteria over long periods of time.

(35) FIG. 1B shows the bacterial deactivation device of FIG. 1A in a left side view, and FIG. 1C shows the bacterial device of FIG. 1A in a front view. FIG. 1D shows a top view of the bacterial deactivation device of FIG. 1A, illustrative the top portion 20 and fitting 21. FIG. 1E shows a bottom view of the bottom portion 40 of the bacterial deactivation device of FIG. 1A.

(36) FIG. 2 shows bacterial deactivation device 10 with lanyard 11 threaded through fitting 21 to permit a person to easily carry the device around a person's neck.

(37) In another embodiment, the apparatus is carried on a person, with the use of a lanyard, clip, belt holder, keychain, or similar method to permit easy and simple portability.

(38) FIG. 3 shows the bacterial deactivation device 10, in actual size, inside a typical plastic water bottle 12. A feature of this method of transporting and using the bacterial deactivating device is that it is easy to carry a small drinking water bottle, and continue to refill the bottle with contaminated water that is quickly made drinkable by having the device kept in the bottle. In a preferred embodiment, all the bacteria in the water poured into the bottle is deactivated by the time it takes to fill the bottle and screw on the cap to the bottle, typically 7-8 seconds. The mild motion of the water swirling around and through the bacterial deactivation device is sufficient to deactivate all the bacteria. Testing has shown that the bacterial deactivation device, with an appropriate silver concentration, can effectively kill all the E. coli in a gallon of water in less than 15 seconds with mild agitation of the water.

(39) FIG. 4A shows bacterial deactivation device 100 where the top portion 120 has holes 123 to permit increased flow and more rapid deactivation times. FIG. 4B shows a top view of the device of FIG. 4A, and FIG. 4C shows a bottom view of the device of FIG. 4A.

(40) FIG. 5A shows bacterial deactivation device 200 comprising canister 220, top portion 220 and bottom portion 240, and an exploded window view 33 of the media inside canister 220. The primary feature of this version of the bacterial deactivation device is a design that allows the device to be easily inserted ‘in line’ in a tube or other plumbing line with water flowing continually through the plumbing line and the bacterial deactivation device. FIG. 5B is a top view, and FIG. 5C a bottom view, of the bacterial deactivation device of FIG. 5A. Screen 32 is used to retain the media inside device 200.

(41) FIG. 6A shows bacterial deactivation device 300 wherein canister 330 is perforated with holes 131, and having a top portion 120 containing a fitting 21 and hole 22 for threading a lanyard or string for easy portability. Bottom portion 140 is attached to canister body 330 after the silver-treated media 33, shown in exploded view, is poured into canister 330. The bottom portion 140 is then sealed onto the bottom of the canister 330, and the entire deactivation device is now fully sealed and ready to be used. It never needs re-charging, re-activating, or any maintenance or replacement parts, but will deactivate bacterial and other pathogens in contaminated water for several years of continuous use.

(42) FIG. 6B is a top view, and FIG. 6C a bottom view, of the bacterial deactivation device of FIG. 6A. Note the large number of holes 223 and 241, a feature to increase the flow of water through the device and in doing so, shorten bacterial deactivation times. FIG. 6D is an isometric view of the bacterial deactivation device featuring rows of holes that match each other around the device, as opposed to FIG. 6A where the rows were offset. The version in FIG. 6D as a result of a different arrangement of the holes has a greater number of holes for the contaminated water to flow through. This is expected to result in faster de-activation times of E. coli microorganisms.

(43) FIGS. 7A and 7B are graphic representations of the result of a bacterial measurement test. FIG. 7A shows the number of bacterial colonies in the control sample, and FIG. 7B shows the number of bacterial colonies that were counted after the contaminated water in the control sample was processed through the bacterial deactivation device. It was recorded that the same number of colonies were counted in the control and in the sample processed through the bacterial deactivation device with the non-silvered media, establishing the fact that the bacterial deactivation device is not a filter, ie, does not remove bacteria by mechanical means.

(44) This test has been repeated several times to provide statistically significant data to establish the fact that the bacterial deactivation device does not substantially remove bacteria by is a filtering, mechanical means. In other words, it is not acting as a filter.

(45) FIG. 8A shows graphic representation of bacterial colonies counted in a control sample, and FIG. 8B shows the result of the same water passed through the bacterial deactivation device were the media was treated with colloidal silver, a standard condition for the device. Note that 100% of the E. coli colonies have been deactivated as shown in FIG. 8B. This is in conformance with the World Health Organization (WHO) specification for safe drinking water.

(46) FIG. 9 shows an example of a portable pathogen deactivation device 300 comprising a handle 400 to permit stifling the device in a container 500 of contaminated water. The device is stirred in the water container for several seconds, or enough time to deactivate all the E. coli microorganisms. For example, in a one liter volume of water, all of the microorganisms are typically deactivated within 10 seconds using the preferred operating parameters for preparing the silver-treated media described in detail in this specification. The device 300 has the same approximate configuration in terms of hole size 131, top cap 120 and bottom cap 140 as shown in FIG. 6A.

(47) FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of an anti-pathogen device 600 with provision for stringing a lanyard through hole 610 to permit a person to carry the device around their neck. The device is shaped with cylindrical ties 620 along a central core 630 to permit a high degree of surface area for the subsequent deposition of ionic silver. The shape and thickness of the ties 620 may be varied to increase surface area further, and the length of device 600 may also be varied to provide more surface area for deposition of ionic silver, thereby increasing the anti-bacterial action of the device.

(48) The various types of microporous media tested in the portable device are optimized for porosity and size so they provides maximum absorption of colloidal silver as well as high flow, while providing adequate residence time for deactivation of bacteria passing therethrough. It is preferred that a pore size of the microporous media be at least ½ the size or even smaller than, the pathogen to be treated. This ensures that the deactivated pathogen will not be taken up into is the pores of the media or otherwise absorbed by the media.

(49) Synthetic zeolite is one suitable microporous media. The lattice structure of zeolite can be described as a cage, honeycomb, or 3D framework, and may be built of SiO.sub.4 and AlO.sub.4 tetrahedra linked by sharing oxygen atoms to form intra-crystalline cavities and channels of molecular dimensions that are much smaller than the dimensions, of say, an E. coli pathogen, so that the E. coli will contact the zeolite lattice to be deactivated but without being taken up in to clog the zeolite lattice. (Reference: http://www.asdn.net/asdn/chemistry/zeolites.shtml)

(50) In another embodiment, the media, in this case, zeolite, has a negative charge, opposite that of the silver, allowing the silver to become strongly held onto the lattice structure of the zeolite.

(51) FIG. 11 is an approximately scaled drawing of a zeolite media, with the silver ions on the surface thereof, and a typical E. coli pathogen. The inherent negative charge of the zeolite attracts and holds the silver ions to its surface. Zeolite is an inorganic crystalline porous material with a highly ordered structure. Zeolites are generally composed of silicon (Si), aluminum (Al), and oxygen (Camblor et al, 1998). Conventional production methods result in zeolites with dimensions on the scale of 1 to 10 um, but nanoscale zeolites, with discrete, uniform crystals, have dimensions on the scale of 5 to 100 nm (nanometers). Nanocrystalline zeolites exhibit significant surface area which is important to allow for a greater density of ionic silver. Further, by altering the ratio of aluminum to silicon in manufacturing, the ion exchange properties can be raised or lowered to optimize both the bonding and density of ionic silver. (Ref: Environ Sci Pollut Res (2013) 20:1239-1260.)

(52) It is suspected that the negatively charged E. coli are attracted to the positively charged silver ions which are bonded to the surface of the zeolite. Due to the significant size difference, cannot possibly be absorbed into the microporous media, but pass between and around the surfaces of the media, and become deactivated in the process. There is no filtering action in this mechanism, thereby avoiding the problems of clogging and flow restriction of prior art devices.

(53) Typically zeolites may have surface area with an extensive electrostatic negative charge. Zeolite is commonly referred to as “molecular sieve” for its ability to sort molecules based on size and electrochemical charge. Zeolite's negatively charged CEC, cation exchange capacity, holds positively charged cations through its open cage structure. It may be likened to a magnet, attracting cations and holding them onto the structure. The higher the CEC, the stronger the attraction, and therefore more cations can be held onto the cages. Zeolite's negative charge and cation exchange capacity is a benefit for the device because ionic silver, the cation, is positively charged, allowing a large amount of to become strongly held to the lattice structure of the zeolite. (Reference: http://www.dioxincleansing.com/whatiszeolite.htm).

(54) In one embodiment, the cation in the zeolite is sodium. Other cations may also be present in other embodiments of the media used in the antibacterial device, such as potassium or magnesium.

(55) The zeolite's ability to attract and hold cations, specifically ionic silver, allows the device to hold its integrity over a long period of time without letting the silver be rinsed away by the contaminated water or other environmental effects. The zeolite's enhanced cage structure also allows a large surface area to hold silver and contact more E. coli in the contaminated water.

(56) Certain bacteria, specifically E. coli, have been proven to have a negative charge. It is commonly known that large populations of cells maintain a negative charge within their cell membranes. However, a study at Harvard University also showed that individual E. coli create their own electrical spikes and maintain a negative charge. E. coli accomplish this by pumping charged ions, i.e. sodium and potassium etc., through their cellular membranes (http://www.livescience.com/15057-ecoli-electricity-voltage-blinking-visualization.html).

(57) True colloidal silver is a colorless liquid containing micro-clusters of silver too small to reflect light back to the human eye. Residence time is the amount of time a given bacteria is is exposed to the ionic silver to permit its deactivation. Colloidal silver is non-toxic to all living things, including mammals, plants and reptiles that are not of a one-celled nature. In other words, the action of the colloidal silver is only effective on single-celled living things, like bacterial and viral pathogens. Researchers have found that several hundred types of bacterial and viral pathogens are affected by the action of ionic silver. (Ref. Materials Research Innovations, 2007, Vol. 11, No. 1)

(58) Single-celled organisms employ a method of taking in oxygen, or oxygen metabolism that is very different from multi-celled organisms. The colloidal silver acts as a catalyst in deactivating bacteria by crippling the oxygen-metabolism enzymes, or chemical lung, of these organisms that keep them alive. As a result of this, the microorganisms suffocate and die within a few seconds. Dead bacteria are naturally removed from the body by the immune and lymphatic system.

(59) Body tissues having 5 parts per million of colloidal silver will be free of vium, fungus, and bacterium. Silver particles are long lived in the body because they do not enter into a reaction, but just catalyze other reactions, specifically the deactivation of enzyme reactions that provide the oxygen to pathogens like E. coli, and in doing so, ‘shut down’ the pathogens by suffocation. (Reference: Dr. Anton Cloete, courtesy of the Revival Noon of Natural Health, P.O. Box 1601, Highlands North 2037, Johannesburg, South Africa).

(60) FIG. 12A shows the top cap 820 of the device where a hole 824 is drilled through the stem 821 to permit water to flow out of the device and into the mouthpiece of a portable water bottle. FIG. 12B is a side view to illustrate this feature where the hole 824 is shown in the middle of the cap, and adjacent holes 323 are the inlet holes where contaminated water enters the device.

(61) In an embodiment, the deactivation rate of the silver-treated media is adjusted by changing the concentration of the silver solution. For example, a typical deactivation rate test result shows that the control sample of contaminated water containing as many as 4,500 colonies of E. coli microorganisms. After a few seconds of exposure of the device in the contaminated water, the number is significantly reduced. After 15 seconds, according to the data in the table below, all of the microorganisms are deactivated.

(62) The openings in the canister containing the media are likewise optimized on the basis of extensive testing to provide rapid flow of contaminated water through the canister for efficient bacterial deactivation, yet still providing adequate residence time for the pathogens to be exposed to the silver ions and thereby be deactivated.

(63) Various factors must be taken into consideration in making a portable bacterial deactivation device according to the teachings herein. These factors include the following: colloidal silver concentration, the type of media used, the geometric dimensions of the media used, the porosity of the media used, the method employed in treating the media with colloidal silver, the geometric dimensions of the media container, the chemical reactivity of the material used to make the media container, and the structural integrity of the media container.

(64) As mentioned above, colloidal silver concentration is a factor that may be considered in designing a portable anti-bacterial device. Applying too much colloidal silver to a media of a bacterial deactivation device may result in treated water that does not meet Environmental Protection Agency standards for the consumption of silver. Applying too much colloidal silver may also make the cost of the portable anti-bacterial device to high and restrict its access to people most in need of safe drinking water. On the other hand, applying too little colloidal silver may allow substantial amounts of bacteria to remain active even after the prescribed residence time in the portable anti-bacterial device. Applying too little colloidal silver may also require subsequent reapplication of colloidal silver to maintain the deactivation device in working form. An appropriate amount of colloidal silver can provide a deactivation device that deactivates substantially all bacteria passing therethrough without ever requiring the reapplication of colloidal silver.

(65) In an embodiment, the silver solution used to treat the absorbing media is prepared is according to the following procedure: 1. Obtain 18 g of 4.75 mm spherical diameter zeolite 2. Pour 50 mL of distilled water into 300 mL beaker 3. Add 2.5 mL of AgNO.sub.3 to the distilled water 4. Add the zeolite to the solution 5. Let sit for 60 minutes 6. Strain the zeolite out from the solution 7. Allow zeolite to dry for 24 hours or until it is completely dry

(66) The material selected for the media inside the canister will affect the residence time for the silver to deactivate the bacteria, as well as the cost of the resulting portable device. By way of example, zeolite is a low cost, porous medium that can be used as the media and as the absorbing material for the colloidal silver. It is readily available, and when used according to some methods as described herein, will quickly and repeatedly deactivate E. coli and coliform bacteria and many other pathogens that can be found in contaminated water, and will render that water safe to drink.

(67) Molecular sieve is a material that internally has very small holes of precise and uniform size. These holes are microporous structures small enough to block large molecules and other solid materials that could clog the media, but small enough to allow small molecules and colloidal silver to pass. Externally, the size of the molecular sieve can range in diameter from ˜1.5 mm to several millimeters.

(68) The external geometry of the media may affect its functional characteristics. By way of example, the flow rate and resulting residence time for media with an external diameter of 1.5 mm will deactivate bacteria at a rate different than media with an external diameter of 4.75 mm, due primarily to the flow rate of the contaminated water through the media. Media that is smaller in diameter typically takes longer to allow a given volume of water pass through than is media that is larger in diameter.

(69) In another embodiment, the physical properties of the media being treated with the ionic silver or colloidal silver solution are as follows: The media has a physical size and shape of approximately 4.75 mm spherical diameter, a pore size of 10 Å, and a density of 43 lb/ft.sup.3.

(70) Other media, such as some forms of carbon, silicon and silicon oxides, ceramics and naturally occurring porous materials such as volcanic rock, may have excellent properties for use a media in a portable anti-bacterial device. It is therefore to be appreciated that many other materials may also be used effectively as media to contain the colloidal silver, so the disclosed materials are meant as examples only.

(71) In another embodiment, the media that is treated with the colloidal silver solution may be taken from a variety of types of absorbing materials, such as granular activated carbon (GAC), sand, porous ceramic fired from red or white clay, diatomaceous earth, or other porous materials.

(72) The configuration of the receptacle, previously referred to as the canister, may also affect the functional properties of a deactivation device. For example, some embodiments may provide for a longer receptacle, which can provide a larger volume of silver treated media. A greater volume of treated media, with respect to a fixed volume of water, will result in more rapid deactivation times, as more bacteria are exposed to the treated media for a given amount of time.

(73) The receptacle or canister may, for example, be configured with a variety of different hole sizes in its sidewalls, and in its top and bottom covers. The size of the holes typically is small enough to contain the media, so none of the media can escape the receptacle. The functional characteristics of the portable deactivation device may change according to both the size of the holes in the receptacle, and the size or diameter of the media used inside the receptacle. The media itself may vary in both surface area and porosity, and these parameters may affect the functional characteristics of the device. It is to be appreciated that altering one functional characteristic may impact the other characteristics in ways not mentioned above.

(74) In another embodiment, a rod of the silvered media is used to deactivate microorganisms. In this case, the device is fabricated from a solid rod of the media into a specific shape to permit the use without the need of a housing or protective cover. For example, the device may be 2-3 in in length, and have a diameter of ½ in. This is then treated with the colloidal silver solution. After being rinsed in water, this silvered media device is ready to be used in the recommended manner for deactivation of contaminated water.

(75) In another embodiment, the device is placed in a 500 ml water bottle containing contaminated water and shaken, mixed, or stirred. After 30 seconds of exposure to the device, the person with this bottle can drink the water now having fully deactivated the microorganisms. The bottle can now be re-filled with contaminated water, and the procedure repeated as many times as is needed to provide safe drinking water for every person carrying a water bottle with the device.

(76) In another embodiment, the device can be placed in larger or smaller water containers filled with contaminated water with the exposure time modified respective to the size of the container. The device can be dipped, swirled, shaken, mixed, stirred or a similar method to move the device throughout the contaminated water to deactivate the microorganisms.

(77) In another embodiment, the device is placed in a water delivery line so that pathogens may be deactivated between a household water source, such as town water or a well, and the kitchen sink. Depending on the water pressure and flow rate, it may be advisable to use a flow restrictor in the water line so that the water, and specifically pathogens in the water, have sufficient residence time to be completely deactivated. Alternatively, the device used in this application may be elongated so that a flow restrictor is not needed.

(78) In another embodiment, the device is adapted to the spigot of a water storage tank so that all water taken from the tank is allowed to flow at a rate that permits complete deactivation of pathogens. In water storage tanks, bacteria may form as the water is stored for prolonged periods.

(79) In another embodiment, multiple devices are placed in known contaminated water source, such as well, the devices being held on a string from the top of the well, and periodically moved through the water prior to taking water from the well to permit more efficient deactivation.

EXPERIMENTS

(80) During our testing process we have experimented with multiple materials, volumes, shaking times, etc. Three recent experiments are displayed below with their purpose, results, and discussion of results.

(81) Zeolite Sizes:

(82) The purpose of this experiment was to determine if different zeolite sizes have a different impact on the number of E. coli colonies deactivated over 10 trials at a 60 second shaking time. A trial represents a water bottle being refilled with contaminated water.

(83) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Results from Zeolite Sizes E. coli counts (CFU/100 ml) Control 4.75 mm 2.4 mm 1.4 mm Effluent Treated Treated Treated Trail 5 3100* 0 0  1000** Trial 10 — 0 0 2600* Average 3100* 0 0 1800  *The count was made by counting 1 square and multiplying by the number of squares on the pad (158). **The count was made by counting a quarter of the sample and multiplying by 4

(84) The 2.4 and 4.75 mm zeolite both performed exactly the same, deactivating all the E. coli colonies. The 1.4 mm zeolite did not have a large impact on the number of colonies on the sample. After future experiments and a new design of the housing, we determined we would continue testing with the 4.75 mm zeolite

(85) Zeolite Repeatability:

(86) The purpose of this experiment was to determine if the zeolite would continue to be effective beyond 10 trials. Ensuring the device will work numerous times is an important aspect of the design. We tested the same peanut for 50 trials at a 30 second shaking time.

(87) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Results from Zeolite Repeatability E. coli counts (CFU/100 ml) Control Effluent 4.75 mm Treated Trail 10 10000* 0 Trial 20 — 0 Trial 30 — 0 Trial 40 — 0 Trial 50 — 0 Average 10000* 0 *The count was made by counting 1 square and multiplying by the number of squares on the pad (158).

(88) The zeolite successfully deactivated all colonies in each trial sampled. The fact that device kept working after 50 trials means silver leaching may not be present or it stops occurring after a certain point. If leaching was present, the device may not have the ability to deactivate 10,000 colonies successfully.

(89) Kill Rate of Zeolite:

(90) The purpose of this experiment was to determine the kill rate of the device. We had previously been using 60 and 30 seconds as our standards but needed to know where the threshold lies.

(91) TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Results from Kill Rate of Zeolite E. coli counts (CFU/100 ml) Sample Number Of Colonies Control 4500*   1 Sec Dip 4200*   5 Sec Shake 37  10 Sec Shake 9 15 Sec Shake 0 20 Sec Shake 0 25 Sec Shake 0 30 Sec Shake 0 *The count was made by counting 1 square and multiplying by the number of squares on the pad (158).

(92) The number of colonies and the time exposed to the device are correlated. There is an enormous decrease in the number of colonies from 1 second to 5 seconds, but a few colonies remain through 10 seconds of exposure. The data seems to show that the threshold for the device's effectiveness is around 15 seconds.

(93) Having thus described several aspects of several different embodiments as claimed herein, it is to be appreciated that various alterations, modifications and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure and are within the spirit and scope of this invention. Accordingly, the description and drawings are by way of example only. The invention is intended to be limited only by the following claims and their equivalents, and is not intended to be limited by any is single embodiment described above.