Aqueous extract of shungite mineral – a complexing agent
for microorganisms in aqueous solution purification

Summary

The presence of microbiological pollution has been one of the most important factors that determine drinking water quality. Among the variety of water purification technologies unique mineral – shungite that contains carbon in active form – fullerene has been widely used over recent years. Herewith the strengths of shungite including bactericidal one are associated with fullerenes in particular. It is known that fullerenes merge into water in minimum concentrations; whereas for their efficient extraction organic solvents are needed. The results of studies of the effect of aqueous shungite extract containing beside macro- and microelements ultramicroelements – lanthanoids on microorganisms in aqueous solutions with the purpose of disinfection are presented. Electron microscopic studies provided for determining dual character of the effect: complex formation of microorganism cells and evident signs of bacterial cell destruction. Microorganisms as part of aqueous complexes are removed by sedimentation, centrifuging or microfiltration. Through the example of nanobacteria and foot-and-mouth disease viruses and virions the process of complex formation shall be considered as concentration with possible further use of the given microorganisms for scientific studies. The main mechanism of complex formation is the presence of high-reactive lanthanoid cations that are trivalent positive under normal conditions in shungite aqueous solution. The phenomenon of selective coagulation of bacterial cells is due to the reaction of lanthanoid cation complex formation with nucleic acids of microorganisms. It is assumed that the reaction of nucleic acid with metals is carried out by phosphate groups.

Key words

microorganisms , complexing , lanthanoids , electron microscopy , shungite , aqueous solution

Morphology and mineral composition of nanostructures
in drinking water

Summary

As a result of the studies the method of excreting nanostructures from drinking water samples on the basis of micro- and ultrafiltration with the use of microfilters (450 nm pore size) and semipermeable membrane (15 nm pore size) was developed. It was found that in the process of ultrafiltration the mineral composition of water before and after passing through the membrane did not change. At the complete water passing into ultrafiltrate the membrane traps organomineral nanostructures with a diameter of 10–200 nm containing macro- and microelements. The integrated method of micro- and ultrafiltration provides for the efficient removal of nanostructure or nanobacteria from drinking water while preserving its mineral composition; this allows recommending this method for obtaining purified water for humans and animals. The analysis of the nanostructure mineral composition showed that calcium and sodium were prevailing macroelements; their total respective percentage content was 60–70%. This data proves the prior information given by the authors that calcium has been the main building blocks of the nanobacteria coat identified in human and animal blood. Taking into account the morphological specific features of the nanostructures excreted from drinking water, their form and dimensions, it should be noted that they are identical to the transformed cells of nanobacteria of human and animal blood. Comparison of the results of the analyses of three independent methods – electron microscopy, mass-spectrometry and chromatography allows being reinforced in view that nanobacteria originate from water that brings them into living organisms. Herewith, research workers that deny the existence of nanobacteria as living organisms recognize the fact that the given nanostructures can produce a significant impact on the human health.

Ключевые слова

potable water , ultrafiltration , nanostructures , electron microscopy , mass-spectrometry , liquid chromatography