BIO-UV Group expands to treat more shipboard water streams

The technology, similar BIO-UV Group’s established BIO-SEA ballast water treatment range, disinfects all recreational and potable waters.

BIO-UV Group introduced marine UV reactors to disinfect and dechlorinate cruise ship swimming pools, hot tubs, spas and potable water.

This taps into the France-based company’s 35 years of experience treating municipal, residential and industrial waters shoreside.

The technology is similar to that deployed in BIO-UV Group’s established BIO-SEA ballast water treatment range.

‘Warm pools, spas and hot tubs are particularly attractive to waterborne pathogens like the Legionella bacteria, and the Cryptosporidium parasite, both of which can be very harmful to human health, but the often-overlooked problem is chloramine, a by-product of the chlorine typically used to disinfect the water,’ said Simon Marshall, BIO-UV Group’s deputy managing director.

According to UV-BIO, when chlorine is applied to water contaminated with microorganisms, bacteria, dead skin, sweat, urine and suncream, then trihalomethane (chloroform) and chloramine by-products are produced, both proven to have a direct impact on human health. Exposure irritates the skin and eyes but can cause respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis and rhinitis.

Cryptosporidium, meanwhile, is a chlorine-resistant parasite that causes the diarrheal disease cryptosporidiosis, spread through drinking and recreational waters.

‘This is a major concern for cruise lines,’ Marshall said. ‘As the parasite is transmitted by ingesting water or food contaminated with the faeces of an infected animal or person, an infected person bathing in a pool can release millions of these nasty parasites, exposing more passengers to illness.’

Dimensioned to treat all ship’s recreational water streams, BIO-UV Group’s NSF 50 Cryptosporidium-certified UV CF-TS reactors disinfect the water using medium-pressure UV-C lights.

BIO-UV Group’s Solutions Director Maxime Dedeurwaerder elaborated: ‘The reactors are specifically designed to disinfect recreational fresh and seawater, killing a minimum of 99.99% of all microorganisms, a kill rate far beyond the efficacy of chlorine. The technology also reduces chlorine levels by 75%, resulting in a better bathing experience, reduces water renewal times, reduces water heating and dehumidification costs and limits corrosion.’

For a passenger ship’s potable water supply, BIO-UV Group also marinized its land-based UV technology to ensure all microorganisms in drinking, cooking and bathing water are also killed with the same level of efficiency. Regulatory compliant, these dosimeter-based biodevices are certified by an independent laboratory and conform to (Austria’s) ÖNORM standards.

‘By integrating the BIO-UV DW water treatment system with proper water management practices, cruise ships can significantly reduce the risk of waterborne disease and bacterial outbreaks while ensuring passenger safety,’ Dedeurwaerder said.

While stringent regulations are in place to ensure that a ship’s fresh and sea water supplies are of the highest standard, Dedeurwaerder asserted the most cost-effective way of achieving and maintaining water quality is with UV technology.

Unlike chemical disinfection, UV treatment works instantly as water passes through the UV chamber, providing real-time treatment for a wide range of pathogens without leaving harmful residues. UV-BIO said UV treatment ensures even hot water systems are properly disinfected.