What feature was later added to John Doulton’s ceramic filters to enhance microbiological safety?
Answer
Treating the ceramic material with silver, capitalizing on its known antimicrobial properties.
While the initial ceramic filter provided excellent physical straining, it did not fully address the risks posed by microscopic life forms. A subsequent, crucial improvement involved modifying the ceramic material itself to incorporate active agents against pathogens. Specifically, silver, which possesses well-documented antimicrobial characteristics, was incorporated into the structure of the fired ceramic. This treatment allowed the filter to actively inhibit or kill bacteria that passed through its porous walls, representing a necessary step toward achieving true microbiological safety standards beyond simple physical separation.
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