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

The use of aqueous extract of shungite mineral for the removal
of bacterial flora from water

Summary

Safe and high quality drinking water is the most important factor that is effecting the human health, rise in births, reduction of mortality, increased expectation of life. The objective of the present work was model developing of the method of removing bacterial flora from water with the use of shungite, unique natural mineral. The key point of using this mineral for water purification is in using crushed shungite not as a feed but for the production of aqueous extract of minerals. In the process of adding refined and concentrated shungite extract into drinking or other water the effect of active complexing of its organic component was defined. The process of extracting minerals from crushed shungite will be most efficient in acidic aqueous media with pH 2–2.5; herewith macro- and microelements and rare-earth ultramicroelements – lanthanoids pass into water. To concentrate the extracted minerals water was evaporated by regular boiling to 1/10 of the original volume with pH 2–2.5. Removal macro- and microelements from extract with preserving lanthanoids was carried out in the process of de-acidification with sodium hydroxide solution with subsequent extract clarification by centrifuging. Addition of 1% shungite extract into raw water is accompanied by the formation of organic suspension that is removed during filtration, sedimentation or centrifuging. At that the mineral composition of water does not essentially change. The mechanism of removing bacterial flora from water is conditioned by the physical and chemical interaction of high-reactive cations of lanthanoids (+3 valence) with bacterial cells initiating their complexing. The phenomenon of selective coagulation of bacterial cells is caused by the reaction of lanthanoid cations complexing with nucleic acids of microorganisms. It is expected that the reaction of nucleic acid with metal is performed by phosphate groups.

Key words

membrane filter , bacteria , shungite mineral , aqueous extract , lanthanoids , de-acidification