Protocol
We tested AquaMira on water collected from a puddle. This water was very clear, with just a few leaves floating on top. We followed the manufacturer's instructions precisely. We spread 140 micro-liters of water on each plate (we used LB media) and grew the plates over night at 37 degrees Celsius (approximately body temperature).
The Plates
We collected puddle water and plated 140 micro liters of it before purifying to use as a control. We then measured out 32oz into a nalgene bottle, added the already mixed aquamira, waited 15 minutes and plated 140 micro liters. We then waited another 15 minutes (30 minutes total) and plated another 140 microliters on a new plate. During purification, we noticed that the aquamira has a very strong odor while it is activating and also causes the water to have an odor. We did not taste this water, as we did not yet trust aquamira.
Here is the picture of the plates. On the far left is the unpurified water. In the middle is the aquamira that was allowed to act for 15 min. On the right is the aquamira that was allowed to act for 30 min.
Our Conclusions:
We were shocked to get these results. At first we thought maybe we had screwed up, but the Potable Aqua tests were done at the same time and worked wonderfully. Then we thought maybe we overtested the limits of AquaMira, but the water we used was clear and quite warm (it was a puddle on concrete on a sunny day). Keep in mind that we don't know exactly what is on these plates, and it may very well be something you would never find in the back country, but we will not be trusting the AquaMira Chemical Treatment anytime soon.
