Visible light photocatalytic bismuth oxide coatings are effective at suppressing aquatic cyanobacteria and degrading free-floating genomic DNA

Access to safe drinking water free from microbial pollution is an issue of global concern. The use photocatalytic thin films in treatment has focused on titanium dioxide, which requires UV-activation, proving a potential barrier upscaling and implementation the real world. Visible-light-activated films, such as bismuth oxide, have recently been shown antimicrobial properties. However, more understanding effect population required. Glass beads coated with oxide were incubated either Microcystis aeruginosa, Anabaena sp. or free-floating genomic DNA. presence oxide-coated glass was able rapidly stop cyanobacteria increasing. also degrade Leachate showed no increase toxicity against human liver cells. This data demonstrates efficacy for controlling potentially dangerous cyanobacterial populations, whilst reducing amount DNA (an essential face resistance) – all should be considerations emerging technologies.