Process for remediating biofouling in water systems with virulent bacteriophage

Abstract

Bacterial contamination of industrial water systems lead to biofouling by biofilms and corrosion from bacterial induced corrosion. This invention provides a method for control of fouling and contamination of industrial water systems caused by bacteria. Prevention or reduction of process interruptions and general contamination, fouling and corrosion is achieved by the destruction of targeted problematic bacteria with naturally occurring, non-engineered bacteriophage virulent for targeted bacteria. The invention also provides for in-situ confirmation of the proper identification of target bacteria and a mobile laboratory adapted to implement the method.

1 . A mobile laboratory having means designed for identifying a target bacteria strain in an industrial water system and enriching a phage virulent for said bacteria strain comprising; a means to connect to or supply electric power; an enclosable working space that can be maintained clean and sterile; a side loop or container for culturing bacteria that is also equipped with a transfer means and connection means to connect the loop to a target water source; a centrifuge for enriching the bacteria and/or phage; testing equipment for identification of bacteria and for phage. 
     
     
         2 . The mobile laboratory of  claim 1  capable of being contained on a trailer, skids or truck bed. 
     
     
         3 . The mobile laboratory of  claim 1  wherein there is also provided a tangential flow filtration system for separation of bacteria and/or phage. 
     
     
         4 . The mobile laboratory of  claim 1  wherein there is also provided means for sterilization to kill bacteria and phage in the side loop and other equipment before and after use. 
     
     
         5 . The mobile laboratory of  claim 1  wherein the water system is selected from a group consisting of industrial cooling water, sewage and drinking water, paper making water, swimming pool water, fire extinguisher system water and all forms of industrial process water in any pipe, tank, open pit, pond or channel. 
     
     
         6 . The mobile laboratory of  claim 1  wherein there is provided equipment for the following activities:
 Identifying target bacteria; 
 Culturing dominant virulent bacteria strains; 
 Identifying virulent phage for the offending bacteria and matching virulent phage with its associated bacteria strain; 
 Isolating and enriching phage samples for testing; 
 Testing of identified killer phage strains, and Preparing suitable quantity of identified phages to treat the target water system.