Untitled

Waipa Post, Volume 52, Issue 3705, 10 January 1936, Page 4

bacteria, ultimately causing their death. USED FOR SWIMMING POOLS. This method has been adopted in England for the treatment of the water of large swimming pools, and bacteriological examination of the water throughout last season showed that, in spite of the very heavy use of the pools during the summer months, the water was maintained in perfect condition with remarkably low bacterial counts. The system is likely to be widely adopted on account of the fact that the water is free from the disadvantages of chlorine sterilised pools. The introduction of the silver into solution is very easily carried out, and depends on the fact that, when an electric current is passed between two electrodes immersed in water some of the metal of one of the electrodes passes into solution as ions. For carrying out the sterilisation, therefore, an electrolytic cell is fitted into a bypass pipe connected with the main system circulating water from the pool, so that portion only of the water receives the silver ions. These, however, are sufficient for the sterilisation of the whole volume on subsequent mixing. The amount of silver passing into solution from the silver electrodes is controlled by the regulation of the current passing through the electrolytic cell. OTHER USES. The method has also been applied in Europe for water sterilisation for town supply or for use in brewing or the preparation of mineral waters. It is also used in the treatment of wines, dairy products and other foodstuffs. The amount of silver required, or the activation degree, as it is called, depends to some extent on the particular treatment under consideration, and in general falls within the limits of some 50 to 500 milligrains of the metal per metric ton of water. One need not point out the great field for the application of the process in Australia. The degree of sterilisation and the immunity conferred are high; the introduction of the silver does not affect the flavour or aroma of the product; and it would seem that the sterilisation so achieved would guarantee a high standard of quality for our wines and dairy products, and ensure their safe passage during their export trip through the tropics.—Melbourne Age.