Methods, compositions and devices for maintaining chemical balance of chlorinated water

Abstract

A composition-of-matter for use in water treatment, composed of a water-insoluble matrix and one or more amidohydrolase, such as cyanuric acid amidohydrolase, incorporated in or on the matrix, is disclosed. Also disclosed are devices containing same and methods utilizing same for water treatment. The water treatment is effected by an enzymatically-catalyzed reduction of the concentration of an amide-containing compound, such as cyanuric acid, found in chlorinated water of swimming polls, spas and other similar structures.

1 - 21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . A method of treating chlorinated water used in a circulating water reservoir, the method comprising treating the chlorinated water with both cyanuric acid amidohydrolase and biuret amidohydrolase, so as to reduce a concentration of both cyanuric acid and biuret in the water, thereby treating the chlorinated water. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising monitoring the concentration of said cyanuric acid in said chlorinated water; and maintaining said treating step until the concentration of said cyanuric acid in said water reaches a value less than 100 ppm. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the water is treated with at least 2.5 mg of cyanuric acid amidohydrolase per one cubic meter of the water. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the water treatment is effected during a time period of 20 hours or less. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein said circulating water reservoir is for use by humans. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein said circulating water reservoir is selected from the group consisting of a pool, an artificial pond or lake, a swimming pool, a spa, a hot-tub, a whirlpool bath, a fountain and a waterslide. 
     
     
         28 . A method of treating chlorinated water used in a circulating water reservoir, the method comprising treating the chlorinated water with all amidohydrolase enzymes necessary to hydrolyze cyanuric acid all the way to CO2 and NH3 molecules, so as to reduce the content of cyanuric acid and thereby treat the chlorinated water. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28 , further comprising monitoring said concentration of said cyanuric acid in said chlorinated water; and maintaining said treating step until said concentration of said cyanuric acid in said water reaches a value less than 100 ppm. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the amidohydrolase enzymes include cyanuric acid amidohydrolase, and wherein the water is treated with at least 2.5 mg of cyanuric acid amidohydrolase per one cubic meter of the water. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the water treatment is effected during a time period of 20 hours or less. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein said circulating water reservoir is for use by humans. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein said circulating water reservoir is selected from the group consisting of a pool, an artificial pond or lake, a swimming pool, a spa, a hot-tub, a whirlpool bath, a fountain and a waterslide. 
     
     
         34 . A composition-of-matter comprising a water-insoluble matrix and, covalently attached thereto directly or via a spacer, both cyanuric acid amidohydrolase and biuret amidohydrolase. 
     
     
         35 . The composition of  claim 34 , wherein said water-insoluble matrix is granular and/or porous. 
     
     
         36 . The device of  claim 34 , wherein said water-insoluble matrix is selected from the group consisting of an organic matrix and an inorganic matrix. 
     
     
         37 . A device for water treatment comprising at least one casing having the composition-of-matter of  claim 34  embedded therein such that water flowing through said casing comes into contact with said composition-of-matter. 
     
     
         38 . The device of  claim 37 , wherein said water-insoluble matrix is granular and/or porous. 
     
     
         39 . The device of  claim 37 , wherein said water-insoluble matrix is selected from the group consisting of an organic matrix and an inorganic matrix. 
     
     
         40 . The device of  claim 37 , wherein said casing comprises a filter cartridge having at least two parallel perforated faces.