Byotrol says arrivederci to algae in Venice

7^th Sep 2007

Byotrol plc, the UK company stopping the spread of superbugs in hospitals and hygiene issues in food factories has been called in to eliminate the persistent problem of algal growth on the iconic buildings and walkways of Venice.

Originally developed to combat harmful organisms such as E.coli and MRSA found in the food and healthcare sectors, Byotrol is a broadband antimicrobial technology that couples ultra low toxicity with residual efficacy. The company's cleaning products have been utilised to clean and remove algae, mould and mildew stains that are prone to gathering in every corner of the historical city.

With the approval of Dr Mario Scattolin, Dirigente Direzione Ambiene e Sicurezza del Territorio (Director for the Environment and Protection of the Territory of Venice), Byotrol was invited to conduct important trials within the city. This was a bold step as the use of chemicals on the Venetian buildings and walkways had previously been banned in the city prior to this trial.

The decision to utilise Byotrol was based upon the extensive data supplied regarding the efficacy of the Byotrol technology, its low hazard and low toxicity combined with the excellent benefits the technology brings to removing microbial growth. Byotrol's technology is so attractive compared to sandblasting and other cleaning techniques because it will not have any detrimental effect on or cause erosion of the stone buildings involved in the trial which have been submerged in deep water for centuries.

Valentina Gasparini, liaising with the Venetian authorities, has been delighted with the project and sees the benefits of using Byotrol technology within her hometown and was impressed with how visually clean the steps and slipways were after applying the Byotrol "the chances of slipping whilst using the steps was much reduced once Byotrol had been applied"

The technology offers a number of benefits over conventional mould and mildew stain removal treatments because it continues to work for extended periods after application. In addition, the substance has an extremely low toxicity to humans and due to the functionality of the technology, development of resistance by micro-organisms is highly unlikely.

The trials which have been in place since June have already proven to show good results. Dottore Mario Scattolin comments: "La Serenissima is a precious city, rich in history and iconic buildings and walkways of which we are very proud. Every year millions of Euros are spent on maintaining the cleanliness of this world heritage site and keeping it so beautiful.

"The decision to appoint Byotrol was based on using an antimicrobial technology that couples ultra low toxicity with residual efficacy with no detrimental effect on aquatic life. It was also of paramount importance that any technology utilised in the city would not affect landmarks of historical significance or people living in or visiting the city.

"Following regular inspections, we are absolutely delighted with the results of the trial to date as Byotrol has been highly effective at removing mould and algae and the areas tested have inhibited further growth. This product is extremely easy to use and delivers a long-lasting and effective treatment for our city."

Paul Vasey, leading the trial for Byotrol added: "This has been a very exciting and fascinating trial for the Byotrol team. We feel really honoured to be able to provide tangible results for this beautiful floating city and look forward to meeting with the Public Services Division of Venice to discuss the next phase of this pioneering project.

"The Byotrol technology is extremely versatile and this latest application demonstrates how a core technology can be adapted to different scenarios. Importantly the technology is also extremely effective at eliminating the odours associated with stagnant water during the summer months. We believe our product offers a cost effective and easy to use application that will deliver real benefit to the people of Venice for years to come."