Doctoral Degrees (Microbiology)

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Browsing Doctoral Degrees (Microbiology) by Author "Cloete, Thomas Eugene"

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    Functionalised nanofibers for water treatment
    (2023-12) Cloete, Thomas Eugene; Wolfaardt, Gideon M.; Klumperman, Bert ; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Science. Dept. of Microbiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation is a pressing global issue with significant implications for health, welfare, and economic development. Nanotechnology holds promise in addressing the challenges associated with water purification. Specifically, functionalized nanofibers have emerged as a potential solution for water treatment. In one study, antimicrobial poly (vinyl alcohol) nanofibers were produced by incorporating AquaQure biocide into the polymer solution. These nanofibers demonstrated strong antimicrobial properties, achieving a substantial reduction in populations of various bacteria strains including E. coli, S. aureus, S. typhimurium, P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae bacteria. Additionally, immobilized enzymes were explored as a means of breaking down biofilms and preventing their formation. Non‐woven mats made of Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) were successfully fabricated using different electrospinning processes, retaining over 80% of the enzymes' specific activity. These functionalized membranes offer potential applications in the water filtration industry by preventing biological fouling of membranes. A cartridge filter where activated carbon was encased in electrospun nanofibers was manufactured and evaluated. Culturable methods indicated that the filter could produce 3 l of potable water. However, when using PCR assays, it was unable to eliminate Klebsiella spp., Legionella spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Yersinia spp. from the filtered rainwater harvested tank water. This suggested that these bacteria were in the non‐ culturable but viable state and passed through the filter. Furthermore, adenovirus, being small enough to pass through the membrane's pores, was not effectively removed by the cartridge filter. Overall, this research demonstrates the potential of functionalized nanofibers and immobilized enzymes in developing advanced filter media for water filtration. However, challenges remain in effectively removing certain pathogens and viruses, highlighting the need for further improvements and innovations in the field.