In the face of the increasingly publicised effects of biocides upon biodiversity, Manchester-based Houghton plc — a subsidiary of Pennsylvania-based Houghton International — is offering companies its FluidWorker (www.houghtonint.com).

Designed for controlling bacteria, this allows the safe recycling of industrial process fluids and can reduce “bacteria populations” by up to 99.9% within hours.

The system makes use of UV light to affect the DNA of bacteria that develop within process fluids, rendering them unable to replicate, while negating the need for toxic (and increasingly restricted) biocides.

Lee Bowditch, EMEA business development director of Houghton’s Fluid Intelligence Solutions division, said: “Under European law, the use of biocides is strictly regulated, due to the known impact of their usage upon micro-organisms and the potential for human and environmental harm if used improperly.

In light of this, it is increasingly recommended that manufacturers find biocide-free ways to control bacteria populations within their process fluids.

"This allows them to avoid legal restrictions, while simultaneously reducing their environmental footprint and protecting their staff.”

Developed by Wallenius Water Innovation and exclusively supplied by Houghton International, the FluidWorker is available from just £155 per month, supporting manufacturers immediately without any costly outlay.