Stored water can develop slimy bacterial biofilms, making it unsafe to drink. Researchers Lijo Mona and Muthumuni Elizabeth Managa are investigating how nanotechnology can help eliminate these harmful microorganisms. Their findings, published on July 6, 2026, highlight innovative methods to improve water safety in South Africa, where access to clean water remains a significant challenge.
Understanding Biofilms in Stored Water
Biofilms are thin layers of microorganisms that form at the interface of stored water and its container. These slimy layers often consist of bacteria that can make water hazardous to consume. Traditional disinfectants like chlorine struggle to effectively eliminate these biofilms, prompting scientists to seek alternative solutions.
In South Africa, only 77.1% of households have reliable access to water, with many rural areas relying on polluted sources. Families often store water in buckets, increasing the risk of biofilm formation and subsequent health issues, including cholera and typhoid fever.
Nanotechnology's Role in Water Purification
Mona and Managa's research focuses on antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation, a method that utilizes light-activated nanoparticles to kill harmful microorganisms. These nanoparticles, which can be as small as a billionth of a meter, interact with sunlight to produce reactive oxygen species that damage bacterial cells.
