LIDO: A Revolutionary Approach to Legionella Management
Date Published
Legionella management in water systems has long been a challenge for building managers and public health officials. Traditional methods have often fallen short, leading to regrowth and necessitating new, innovative solutions. In a recent HC3 podcast episode titled "LIDO," host John Brocas and guest Dr.
David Krause delved into the complexities of managing Legionella and introduced a groundbreaking technology that could change the game. This article explores the key points discussed in the podcast, shedding light on the concept and potential of the LIDO system, and inviting readers to join the conversation on this critical public health issue. Legionella bacteria are notorious pathogens that can cause Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia.
Despite various efforts to control these bacteria, effective eradication remains elusive. Traditional methods like hyperchlorination and heat pasteurization have shown limited success, often leading to undesirable side effects such as corrosion of plumbing systems and potential carcinogenic byproducts. In the podcast, Dr.
Krause emphasized, “Traditional chemical treatments were not designed specifically for Legionella. They were primarily aimed at other pathogens like cholera and E. coli. This has led to an over-reliance on chemicals that can have negative impacts on water systems and public health.” The focus has now shifted towards finding solutions that are not only effective but also safe and sustainable.
Developed by Dr. David Krause and Powerflo Systems, the LIDO (Legionella Inhibition by Deoxygenation) system represents a novel approach to controlling Legionella. The system leverages the principle of reducing dissolved oxygen in water to inhibit the growth of these bacteria.
This idea is rooted in the understanding that Legionella, like many aerobes, requires oxygen for survival. Dr. Krause explained, “Our aim was to remove necessary components for Legionella to survive rather than adding chemicals.
By reducing dissolved oxygen levels, we can create an environment where these pathogens cannot thrive.” The LIDO system is designed to mechanically remove oxygen from water, thereby preventing Legionella amplification without introducing harmful chemical additives. The LIDO system utilizes a gas transfer membrane contactor, a technology patented in 2000. This technology mechanically strips dissolved gases from water, offering a chemical-free solution to waterborne pathogens.
Dr. Krause’s team developed a benchtop proof of concept, meticulously measuring and reducing oxygen levels to identify the minimum necessary to inhibit Legionella growth. Successful trials demonstrated that reducing dissolved oxygen to 0.3 parts per million was sufficient to stop Legionella amplification.
Dr. Krause pointed out, “Our findings are consistent with studies from the 1970s and 80s, which showed that Legionella requires oxygen for survival and does not thrive in low-oxygen conditions. By removing dissolved oxygen, we disrupt their metabolic processes, effectively controlling their growth.” One of the notable aspects of the LIDO system is its potential applications beyond Legionella control.
Dr. Krause mentioned that the technology could be used in various industries, such as ice rinks, where oxygen removal can create clearer ice. Additionally, the method could be adapted for different types of water systems, including both hot and cold water.
However, scaling up this technology to municipal water supply levels remains a challenge. While the LIDO system has shown promise in specific settings like healthcare facilities and residential buildings, more research and development are needed to extend its application to larger water systems. As Dr.
Krause noted, “Managing water at a municipal level involves a different set of challenges. Our current technology is not yet scalable to those levels, but we are continually working on refining and improving the system.” The efficacy of the LIDO system was showcased in a pilot test conducted in Baltimore residential buildings with a history of Legionella outbreaks. Despite previous control measures, these buildings struggled with recurrent Legionella contamination.
The installation of the LIDO system yielded impressive results, preventing Legionella growth without the use of added disinfectants. Within two weeks, the system successfully inhibited bacterial growth and maintained this state for several months. Dr.
Krause highlighted the significance of this pilot test, stating, “The successful trial in Baltimore residential buildings demonstrated that the LIDO system could offer a sustainable and effective solution to a longstanding problem. It’s not just about eliminating the bacteria once but preventing their regrowth in the long term.” Implementing new water treatment technologies often involves navigating complex regulatory landscapes. In the podcast, Dr.
Krause discussed challenges related to the US EPA and the Safe Drinking Water Act. He emphasized the need for trained professionals to install and maintain these water systems, suggesting a lease model for hospitals and nursing homes to manage and maintain water treatment systems efficiently. Dr.
Krause also called for changes to the Safe Drinking Water Act to better address the needs of building water systems compared to municipal ones. He underscored the importance of tailored certification and training for building water system operators, stating, “It’s crucial to have operators who understand the specifics of treated water systems. Proper training and certification can ensure the effectiveness and safety of these systems.” Throughout the podcast, Dr.
Krause extended an invitation for collaboration with healthcare and leisure industries to install the LIDO system and track its efficacy. He expressed a strong desire to work with more projects, people, and organizations experiencing similar problems to gather data validating the treatment’s effectiveness. He added, “We’ve seen promising results, but there’s always room for further study and improvement.
Collaborating with different sectors can help us refine the technology and expand its applications, ultimately contributing to a healthier, safer environment.” The LIDO system’s journey from concept to a patented technology highlights the potential of innovative approaches to waterborne pathogen control. By focusing on altering the microbial environment rather than resorting to chemical additives, LIDO offers a safer, more sustainable solution. As Dr.
Krause continues to research and refine this technology, the future looks promising for a wider application of LIDO, particularly in high-risk areas like healthcare facilities. Dr. Krause concluded the podcast with an optimistic outlook, saying, “We’re excited about the potential of the LIDO system and are committed to making water systems safer and more sustainable.
There’s still much to learn and achieve, but the progress we’ve made so far is encouraging.” The HC3 podcast episode featuring Dr. David Krause provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and innovations in Legionella management. By highlighting the potential of the LIDO system, the episode invites listeners to engage in a broader conversation about water treatment and public health.
For those interested in learning more, Dr. Krause recommended accessing open-access, peer-reviewed articles on the treatment approach, available through the HC3 app. He also encouraged feedback and collaboration, offering his contact details for further inquiries ([email protected] and hc3fl.com).
The LIDO system represents a significant step forward in waterborne pathogen control, emphasizing safety, sustainability, and effectiveness. As we continue to face public health challenges, exploring and supporting innovative solutions like LIDO is crucial. By staying informed and actively engaging in these discussions, we can contribute to a healthier, safer future for all.
Are you curious to learn more about the LIDO system and its applications? Tune into the HC3 podcast episode "LIDO" and join the conversation on revolutionary Legionella management. Your insights and participation can help drive the next wave of innovation in water treatment technology. if(window.strchfSettings === undefined) window.strchfSettings = {};window.strchfSettings.stats = {url: “https://hc3.storychief.io/en/lido-a-revolutionary-approach-to-legionella-management?id=162477142&type=2”,title: “LIDO: A Revolutionary Approach to Legionella Management”,siteId: “1122”,id: “70eb9cdc-15db-4f3d-951d-a6dd615c9d23”};(function(d, s, id) {var js, sjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if (d.getElementById(id)) {window.strchf.update(); return;}js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;js.src = “https://d37oebn0w9ir6a.cloudfront.net/scripts/v0/strchf.js”;js.async = true;sjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, sjs);}(document, ‘script’, ‘storychief-jssdk’))