Abstract:
An apparatus for removing cyanotoxins and excess ions from contaminated water. Contaminated water passes from a storage tank ( 200 ), through a sand filter ( 210 ), through a reaction chamber ( 230 ), and finally through a carbon filter ( 270 ). The sand filter removes particulates and some bacteria. Treatment of the water in the reaction chamber first destroys cyanotoxins, algae, and bacteria through the use of high voltage shocks applied between two groups of electrodes ( 285, 285 ′), then the voltage on the electrodes is lowered and electrolysis is used to sequester free ions in the water in the region near the electrodes. Partially treated water is removed from the upper portion of the reaction chamber and passed through a carbon filter ( 270 ) to remove radiation, and to improve taste and smell. After passage through the carbon filter, the water is potable. The water remaining in the reaction chamber is discarded into a reservoir ( 265 ).

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a division of Ser. No. 13/229,993, filed 2011 Sep. 12, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,354,030, issued 2013 Jan. 15, and is related to the following applications: 
     Ser. No. 12/110,860, filed 2008 Apr. 28, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,591,088, issued 2009 Sep. 22; 
     Ser. No. 12/399,323, filed 2009 Mar. 6, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,017,366, issued 2011 Sep. 13; 
     Ser. No. 12/341,380, filed 2008 Dec. 22, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,043,496, issued 2011 Oct. 25, 
     Ser. No. 12/555,696, filed 2009 Sep. 8; now U.S. Pat. No. 8,137,717, issued 2012 Mar. 20, and 
     Ser. No. 12/713,734, filed 2010 Feb. 26. now U.S. Pat. No. 8,187,861, issued 2012 May 29. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     The field is water treatment, and in particular the neutralization of cyanotoxins in the water environment. 
     2. Prior Art 
     The following is a list of some prior art that presently appears relevant: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Pat. or Pub. No. 
                 Kind Code 
                 Issue or Pub. Date 
                 Patentee or Applicant 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 4,277,344 
                 B1 
                 1981-07-07 
                 Cadotte 
               
               
                 7,338,600 
                 B2 
                 2008-03-04 
                 Chidambaran et al. 
               
               
                 7,501,046 
                 B1 
                 2009-03-10 
                 Constantz 
               
               
                 7,520,971 
                 B2 
                 2009-04-21 
                 Iwasaki 
               
               
                 7,591,088 
                 B1 
                 2009-09-22 
                 Schuh et al. 
               
               
                 7,897,019 
                 B2 
                 2011-03-01 
                 Akers 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     NON-PATENT LITERATURE DOCUMENTS 
     
         
         Federal Register. 1998 Mar. 2. Vol. 63, No. 40, “Announcement of the Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List”, pp. 10273-10287. 
       
    
     Basic information about radionuclides in drinking water can be found at: http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/basicinformation/radionuclides.cfm 
     Discussion 
     There is increasing focus on the use of algae biofuel as a replacement for petroleum-based hydrocarbons. In the harvesting operations, massive amounts of algae feedstock are smashed or ruptured to remove biomass for fuel processing. However this releases massive amounts into the water that is discharged from the operation. See my related U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,591,088, 8,017,366, 8,043,496, 8,137,717, and 8,187,861, for more information on this subject. 
     The study of toxic algae, known as cyanobacteria, is called phycotoxicology. Various classifications have been proposed, but none is entirely satisfactory. The cyanobacteria (Cyanophyta, blue-green algae) are named under the Botanical Code (International Code of Botanical Nomenclature, published by the International Association for Plant Taxonomy) and the Bacteriological Code (International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria, published by the International Union of Microbiological Societies), leading to some taxonomic confusion. Cyanobacteria are commonly referred to as blue-green algae. Traditionally they were thought of as a form of algae and were introduced as such in older textbooks. They are now considered to be more closely related to bacteria so the term for true algae is restricted to eukaryotic organisms, i.e., those comprising one or more cells that contain nuclei and organelles. Like true algae, cyanobacteria are photosynthetic and contain photosynthetic pigments, which is why they are usually green or blue. Cyanobacteria are known for their diversity in terms of morphological, physiological, and toxicological properties. As a whole, the toxins are colorless, tasteless, and odorless. In the following, I shall refer to them as cyanobacteria. 
     It has long been known that water borne toxins from cyanobacteria threaten the health of humans and livestock. Cyanobacterial toxins can be classified according to their chemical structures as cyclic peptides (e.g., microcystin and nodularin), alkaloids (e.g., anatoxin-a, anatoxin-a(s), aplysiatoxins, cylindrospermopsin, lyngbyatoxin-a, saxitoxin), and lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Evidence for adverse human health effects from cyanotoxins derives from three principal sources: epidemiological evidence, including human poisonings, animal poisonings, and toxicological studies. Some neurotoxins have been implicated as a significant environmental risk in the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer&#39;s disease, Parkinson&#39;s disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). 
     The magnitude of the cyanobacteria toxin threat has only been appreciated with technological advances in detection, such as by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Better analytical methods, in addition to HPLC, include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and the protein phosphatase assays for microcystins and nodularins. The development of these methods has made the quantification of total and individual toxins possible. Most fresh water and marine samples tested show at least one toxin is present. 
     Experts have recognized that the toxins are not removed by conventional water treatment procedures, such as boiling or chlorination. It is for that reason that in 1998 the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) included freshwater cyanobacteria and their toxins on the first Candidate Contaminant List (CCL) (Federal Register, 1998). 
     Because molecules are smaller than light waves, they cannot be observed directly, so models of their structure must be visualized by alternative means. Thus all references to molecular structure are hypothetical constructs incapable of direct observation. However, the hypothetical constructs are important to allow us to plan water purification strategies. 
     A molecule is an aggregation of atomic nuclei and electrons that is sufficiently stable to possess observable properties. Water is a compound of hydrogen and oxygen. Each hydrogen nucleus is bound to a central oxygen atom by a pair of electrons that are shared between them, called a covalent chemical bond. In H 2 O, only two of the six outer-shell electrons of oxygen are used for this purpose, leaving four electrons that are organized into two non-bonding pairs. The H 2 O molecule is electrically neutral, but the positive and negative charges are not distributed uniformly. The electronic (negative) charge is concentrated at the oxygen end of the molecule, owing partly to the nonbonding electrons, and to oxygen&#39;s high nuclear charge, which exerts stronger attractions on the electrons. This charge displacement constitutes an electric dipole. 
     Opposite charges attract, so the partially-positive hydrogen atom on one water molecule is electrostatically attracted to the partially-negative oxygen on a neighboring molecule. This process is called hydrogen bonding. A hydrogen-bonded cluster in which four H 2 Os are located at the corners of an imaginary tetrahedron is an especially favorable (low-potential energy) configuration. The molecules undergo rapid thermal motions on a time scale of picoseconds. Thermal motions cause individual hydrogen bonds to break and re-form in new configurations, inducing ever-changing local discontinuities whose extent and influence depends on the local temperature and pressure. Little is known about the extent to which an arrangement propagates to distant molecules. 
     Water molecules interact strongly with ions, which are electrically-charged atoms or molecules. Water can hydrogen-bond to itself and to any other molecules that have —OH or —NH2 units hanging from them. This includes simple molecules such as alcohols and macromolecules such as proteins. The biological activity of proteins, of which enzymes are an important subset, is dependent not only upon their composition but also on the way these molecules are folded. Folding involves hydrogen-bonded interactions with water and between different parts of the molecule itself. Anything that disrupts these intramolecular hydrogen bonds will denature the protein and destroy its biological activity. 
     Water Quality 
     Water quality problems and recommended treatment systems have been extensively studied so that there is an extensive prior art on this subject. 
     Cadotte, supra, shows a reverse osmosis (RO) unit that can remove a variety of inorganic chemicals, such as nitrates, calcium, and magnesium, but does not remove cyanotoxins or microbiologicals, such as viruses. Also RO does not remove radionuclides that produce radiation (hereinafter radiation). 
     Constantz and Akers, supra, employ evaporation and distillation in an attempt to remove toxic metals (lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium), and other minerals (nitrate, sulfate, sodium) from seawater as an alternative to RO. The toxins that are heat stable can recombine with the water droplets during condensation. It is not known whether distillation removes radiation. 
     Chidambaran and Iwasaki employ electrodeionization (EDI), also referred to as Continuous Electro Deionization (CEDI) and Continuous Deionization (CDI). CDI utilizes ion exchange resins which are continuously regenerated by an electrical current. The major difficulty with this method, besides its cost and the fact that it is only being about 65% effective, is that a membrane is required and this has similar cost and maintenance problems as RO. The cost of operation puts it outside the affordability of most of the world&#39;s population. As indicated, it is only of limited effectiveness, and there is no evidence that it can neutralize cyanotoxins, nor can it remove radiation. 
     There is no proof that the three most advanced and expensive methods (RO, distillation, and EDI) neutralize and remove the cyanotoxins. This reaffirms USEPA&#39;s conclusion that cyanotoxins are not removed by conventional water treatment procedures. 
     In addition to being less effective, prior-art purification systems also required a relatively large amount of energy, used awkward mechanical filters as barriers, and were relatively slow and expensive. Even under the best conditions, prior systems were only about sixty-five percent effective in ion separation with the mechanical filters. 
     SUMMARY 
     A method and apparatus provide cyanodetoxification, removal of radiation, and removal of ions for conversion of marine and brackish water to create potable water for people and animals. Three mechanisms are used: high voltage to kill all biological material, electrolysis to separate water that is rich in ions from water that is relatively ion-free, and removal of radioactive material by filtration through carbon-containing filter systems. The result is a reliable, environmentally friendly, low-maintenance, cost-effective water treatment system that is suitable for use in remote locations. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a flow diagram enumerating the steps in the procedure for treating cyanotoxin-contaminated water. 
         FIG. 2  shows one aspect of apparatus that is suitable for realizing the steps of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the reactants tank used in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 . 
     
    
    
                                                   REFERENCE NUMERALS                                    100-140   Blocks   200   Tank           205   Support   210   Filter           212   Support   215   Pipe           220   Valve   225   Pump           226   Top   230   Tank           232   Support   235   Pipe           240   Valve   245   Pipe           255   Pipe   260   Valve           265   Reservoir   270   Valve           285   Electrode   286   Bus           290   Source   291   Conductor           292   Conductor   295   Controller           296   Conductor   297   Conductor                        
General Operation of Apparatus
 
     It has been established that cyanotoxins are a threat to public drinking water. It is also established that they are not removed by conventional treatment protocols. 
     The general mode of operation of this apparatus is to attack the electrical structure of the water molecules that envelop the toxins, as well as the toxins themselves. A large amount of energy and/or the use of mechanical filters as barriers are not necessary, thus reducing the cost, eliminating extra physical features and their related quality control, maintenance, and inventory of spare parts issues. This system is generally more effective, speedier, and less costly. 
     There are three physical features used in the present system. 
     The first is the use of very high voltage, delivered by electrodes in a processing tank, sufficient to kill all biological material of any size and nature, which also will deionize any cyanotoxins, rendering them neutral. The cyanotoxin proteins, enzymes, and trace elements are uncoupled by the high-voltage electricity. The process creates an avalanche of electrons. An electron avalanche is a process in which a number of free electrons in a medium are subjected to strong acceleration by an electric field. These electrons ionize the medium&#39;s atoms by collisions, called impact ionization, thereby releasing new electrons to undergo the same process in successive cycles. Protein denaturation is commonly defined as any non-covalent change in the structure of a protein. This change may alter the secondary, tertiary, or quaternary structure of the molecules. This may occur because the kinetic energy causes the molecules to vibrate so rapidly and violently that the bonds are disrupted. Denaturation disrupts the normal alpha-helix and beta sheets in a protein and uncoils it into a random shape. Electricity neutralizes the toxin by destroying the secondary and tertiary structures of enzymes by influencing their hydrogen bonds. High-voltage electricity also reduces metal ions that are attached to enzymes, thus making these enzymes no longer destructive. The electric field changes the three-dimensional structure of the toxin, converting it to inert material. It also destroys all living water-borne carriers of illness such as various bacteria, viruses, and pathogenic microorganisms, including many that are intestinal parasites. These include protozoa, parasites, bacteria such as those that cause cholera and dysentery, and viruses such as those that cause hepatitis A and poliomyelitis. Water-borne illnesses have traditionally been a threat to the health of human populations. 
     The second feature is the use of electricity in an electrolysis operation to separate that portion of water relatively rich in ions from the water that is relatively ion-free. Thus, it is possible for virtually all water treatment facilities to use the new methodology to treat all water, even in marine or brackish areas. The present system can exceed the sixty-five percent effectiveness in ion separation. It requires no filter membrane inspection, maintenance, replacement, and turns over batches to be processed in larger volume in considerably less time, at orders of magnitude less electrical power consumption. 
     The third feature removes radiation from drinking water using a radiation-capturing carbon filter. Carbon has a long history of being used to absorb impurities. Radon  222  is a naturally occurring radioactive element that releases energy in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Radon radiation is found virtually everywhere to be a contamination in drinking water sources. Carbon filter systems have been effective at lowering water-borne radon levels, but the radioactivity that builds up in the filter bed is of concern. Radon and its radioactive decay products emit alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. These and x-rays are types of ionizing radiation, i.e., radiation that can disrupt chemical bonds. Ionizing radiation is invisible and is not directly detectable by human senses, so instruments such as Geiger counters are usually required to detect its presence. In the apparatus described below, a Geiger counter monitors the radiation level in the filter to signal when it is time to change out the radiation capturing carbon filter. 
     Sometimes copper and/or silver are added to the carbon or are used separately in water storage containers. When used together, copper and silver ionization is suitable for producing safe drinking water. Electrically charged copper ions (Cu2+) in the water are attracted to particles of opposite polarity, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Positively charged copper ions form electrostatic compounds with negatively charged cell walls of the microorganisms. These compounds disturb cell wall permeability and cause nutrient uptake to fail. Copper ions penetrate the cell wall and create an entrance for silver ions (Ag+). The silver ions penetrate the core of the microorganism. Silver ions bond to various parts of the cell, such as the DNA and RNA, cellular proteins, and respiratory enzymes, causing life support systems in the cell to be immobilized. There is no more cellular growth or cell division, preventing bacteria from multiplying. Copper-silver ionization has a larger residual effect than most other disinfectants including ultraviolet light (UV). Copper-silver is effective throughout the entire water system and does not depend on water temperature. Copper-silver is non-corrosive and does not affect pumps, shower heads, tanks, and taps. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     First Embodiment 
     Process Steps— FIG. 1   
       FIG. 1  is a flow chart showing the steps outlined above for purifying water. Water is first collected (block  100 ) from a source that is possibly contaminated with cyanotoxins or excess ions, or both. 
     The water is first passed through a well-known sand filter (block  105 ) to remove particulate matter. Then cyanotoxins are removed (block  110 ). Next the positive and negative dissolved ions are separated (block  115 ), leaving an ion-free layer between and above the two; this ion-free layer above is drained (block  120 ) into a carbon filtration tank. The remaining ion-rich water is drained (block  125 ) from the system and discarded. The ion-free layer is passed through a carbon filter (block  130 ), and its quality is evaluated (block  135 ). Finally the purified water is stored (block  140 ), optionally in the presence of copper or silver or both. Each of these steps is described in detail below in connection with  FIG. 2 . 
     Apparatus— FIGS. 2 and 3   
       FIG. 2  shows one aspect of an embodiment for performing the purification steps discussed above. A staircase arrangement of components facilitates flow of water from one component to the next. A storage tank  200  for untreated water is filled from a source (not shown), such as a river, lake, pond, or any other source. For example, the source can be a system such as taught in the above U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,591,088, 8,017,366, 8,043,496, 8,137,717, 8,187,861, or the above pending application Ser. No. 13/229,993. These systems teach the cellular destruction of algae so that any cyanotoxins present within the algae are released into the water, which can be further treated by the present apparatus to destroy most or all of the cyanotoxins. 
     Tank  200  is elevated above the remaining components of the system on a support  205 , such as a steel frame, or a raised section of earth. Water from tank  200  is dispensed into at least one well-known sand filter  210  via an outflow pipe  215  and valve  220 . A support  212  holds filter  210  at a level generally below the bottom of tank  200  so that gravity can urge the water in tank  200  to flow via outflow pipe  215  into filter  210 . 
     Instead of tank  200 , outflow pipe and valve  220  can receive water directly from a contaminated source such as a reservoir, river, creek, stream, lake, well, or other body. 
     If tank  200  is not at the appropriate level for gravity flow of its contents, then a pump  225  can be added to move water from tank  200  to filter  210 . Alternatively, a closed top  226  can be added to filter  210  and sealed to outflow port  215  so that pump  225  can be used to force water through filter  210  in order to maintain a desired flow rate of water through filter  210 . 
     The purpose of sand filter  210  is to separate raw incoming water that has some dissolved compounds from the non-dissolved bits and pieces of debris that would otherwise make extra and potentially insuperable electrical, chemical, and mechanical demands on the more sophisticated procedures to follow. There is typically fine sand at the top and gravel or tiles at the bottom, with a graduation of sand particle sizes in between. A sand filter harbors many bacteria that break down other biological debris as the water passes through the filter. Such a filter can be rejuvenated by simply periodically replacing part or all of the sand. 
     A reactants tank  230  rests on a support  232  so that it lies generally beneath filter  210 . When valve  240  is opened, water flows through outflow pipe  235  into tank  230 . Tank  230  further includes an outflow pipe  245  and valve for removing water from the middle level of tank  230 . An outflow pipe  255  and valve  260  are provided for releasing water from the bottom of tank  230  in order to discard the water into a reservoir  265  for waste water. Tank  230  contains a plurality of electrodes or plates in two groups  285  and  285 ′. All the electrodes in group  285  are connected together by a common bus  286  and all the electrodes in group  285 ′ are connected together by a common bus  286 ′. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , electrode groups  285  and  285 ′ are connected to a voltage source  290  via a controller  295 . Source  290  delivers electrical potential energy to controller  295  via two conductors  291  and  292 . When activated, controller  295  applies voltage to electrodes  285  and  285 ′ via conductors  297  and  296 , respectively, creating an electric field between electrodes  285  and  285 ′. The components within tank  230  are discussed in more detail below. 
     Next a simple, columnar charcoal filter tank  270  ( FIG. 2 ) is provided and is supported by a support  272  so that the top of filter  270  lies below outflow pipe  245  of tank  230 . As mentioned, pumps can be added to outflow pipes  235  and  245  instead of relying on gravity to move the water from one station to the next. Water passes through filter tank  270  in contact with well-known charcoal filter granules. 
     Tanks  200 ,  210 ,  230 , and  270  can be made of any waterproof material, including steel, clay, wood, rubber, fiberglass, or plastic. Tank  200  can have a horizontal, elliptical shape with molded-in legs and made all of a plastic as one solid piece for simplicity and strength. Such a tank is the model no. 1400100N, manufactured by Snyder Industries, Inc., of Lincoln, Nebr., USA. This tank lies relatively horizontal, and is longer than wide or high for stability and strength, and for ease of access to the top for filling and removal of contents of the tank. The legs are molded in for stability and ease of tie-down to a flat bed truck or other means of transportation such as railcar or barge. Tank  200  typically holds 2,000 liters and remaining tanks  210 ,  230 , and  270  are scaled as shown in  FIG. 2 . These sizes and their relationships are not limiting, however, and smaller or larger sizes can be used as required. 
     Reactants Tank— FIGS. 2 and 3   
       FIG. 3  is a top view of reactants tank  230 . The components within tank  230  are arranged into three distinct regions: A, B, and C. Region A contains electrodes  285 ′ that are commonly connected to controller  295  via positive lead  296 . Region C contains electrodes  285  that are connected to controller  295  via negative lead  297 . Region B is an open volume between the two sets of electrodes. Outflow pipes  245  and  255  have been omitted from  FIG. 3  for clarity. 
     Tank  230  is made of an electrically non-conductive material such as wood, clay, plastic, fiberglass, rubber, or a composite material. Tank  230  has a depth of 1 m and must be able to hold water to a depth of about 80 percent full, about 800 liters. 
     Electrodes  285  and  285 ′ are about 20 cm high and extend upward from the bottom of tank  230 . They are approximately 90 cm long and each group is about 45 cm wide. Each group is shown as containing three electrodes or plates but other numbers can be used. The individual electrodes in groups  285  and  285 ′ are about 2 mm thick and made of iron that does not contain chromium, zinc, or other materials that are toxic to algae and animals. The electrodes of each group are spaced about 1 cm apart, although other spacings can be used. The two central electrodes (the closest electrode of the group ( 285 ′) and the closest electrode of the group ( 285 )) are energized with opposite polarities and are spaced apart about 1 cm, although other spacings can be used. 
     Water enters tank  230  from the top. Outflow port  245  is located at 41 percent of the height of the water column in the tank, or about 41 cm from the bottom in the present example. 
     Voltage source  290  can be an automotive battery or a small generator. Controller  295  contains electrical circuitry for applying predetermined voltages to electrodes  285  and  285 ′ via conductors  297  and  296 , respectively. Controller  295  can be manually operated or can contain automatic circuitry, if desired. Controller  295  first applies a potential between leads  296  and  297  at a high voltage of at least 10 kVDC for at least 0.1 second, and then a lower voltage of at least 3 VDC for as long as it takes to separate the positive and negative ions and drain the tank of ion-free water, at least one minute and typically about 10 minutes. Source  290  and controller  29  are arranged so that the 20 KV potential can supply current of at least 1 ma and the 12 V source can supply a current of at least one ampere. With the two central electrodes spaced 1 cm apart, applying a potential of 20 KVDC yields an electric field strength between these electrodes of 20 KVDC/cm. Similarly, when 12 V is applied, the electric field strength between the same electrodes is 12 V/cm. These values can be varied, i.e., the high voltage potential can be varied between about 10 KV and 30 KV, and the low voltage potential can be varied between about 3 and 30 volts, but always should be sufficient and persistent enough to destroy cyanotoxins, bacteria, viruses, and parasites in the tank. The electric field values should be inversely proportionate to the quality of the water to be purified, with higher field values being used with lower quality water and vice versa. 
     Operation— FIGS. 2 and 3   
     After water input and sand filtration ( FIG. 1 , blocks  100  and  105 ) two processes are accomplished in tank  230 . These are: cyanodetoxification and ionization separation ( FIG. 1 , blocks  110  and  115 ). 
     Cyanodetoxification is accomplished by the high, direct current potential that creates a high electric field between electrode groups  285  and  285 ′. Ion separation is accomplished by applying the lower potential between the electrode groups to create a low electric field. Other voltages can be used as conditions require. 
     Filling the Tank. 
     Prior to filling tank  230 , the operator (not shown) checks to be sure valves  250  and  260  are closed and controller  295  is not applying any voltage to electrodes  285  and  285 ′. 
     The operator (or an automatic system) begins the decontamination procedure by opening valve  240  to begin filling of tank  230 . Contaminated water is delivered in batches to tank  230  at a flow rate of at least 20 liters per minute or faster, filling tank  230  to 80 percent capacity. When the 80 percent level is reached, valve  240  is closed. 
     Sterilization and detoxification. The high-voltage is then applied by controller  295  for about two seconds to kill all biological organisms and neutralize all toxins. Then controller  295  apples the low voltage for as many minutes as it takes to de-ionize the water by electrolysis, typically at least 1 and up to about 10 minutes, and then maintain that voltage while that water drains in order to maintain separation of the positive and negative ions. In the absence of this voltage, turbulence caused by draining the water from the reactants tank would permit remixing of the already-separated positive and negative ions. 
     The operator begins the sterilization of the water and neutralization of the toxins by actuating controller  295 , which delivers the high voltage to the electrodes in a burst, or shock, controlled by the operator. Experience has shown that shocks of about 2 seconds are sufficient. In addition, experience has shown that multiple short replications are better than one of equivalent long duration. These shocks can be applied manually by the operator or automatically by a timing device or computer. The voltage is adjusted by a technician who reads indicators (not shown) on controller  295  that indicates the power being delivered to electrodes  285  and  285 ′. The operator makes required changes and delivers the shocks as required. The character of the toxins contained in the water is immediately affected by high voltage (at least 10 kV, up to 30 kV). The high voltage neutralizes the toxins and sterilizes water-borne disease-carrying biological organisms. Direct current is applied via the submerged electrodes for 2 s. One shock may be sufficient, but more shocks may be given with 10 s between them. Even if the operator elected to deliver five shocks at 2 s duration, and 10 s between, the whole procedure would only take one minute. This process of shocking can be done manually or automatically. The shock and delay times can be adjusted from at least 0.1 s and at least 1 s, respectively, and the number of shocks being at least one can be any number that is required, all depending on the quality of the water. The high voltage used at this stage is dangerous and suitable safety measures must be observed. 
     The two central plates of opposite polarity will be the most effective, although weaker electric fields will exist between the remaining opposite-polarity plates, providing some additional benefits in terms of sterilization and deionization (discussed below). In the case of water from marine sources, there are usually so many ions and so much biological activity that having more surface available, i.e., additional plates, is desirable. 
     Deionization. 
     The technician (or an automatic system) switches controller  295  to deselect the high voltage and select the low voltage. Immediately, the second procedure begins, which is electrolysis to separate that portion of water that is relatively ion-rich from the water that is relatively ion-free. This is especially desirable when the originating water has more than one percent salt content. Electrolysis is a standard technique of chemistry laboratory activity. It uses the effect of a low-voltage direct current and a suitable electrolyte solution, in this case the high concentration of ions in contaminated water. The electrolytic method draws ions to the electrodes on either side of the tank and down to the level of the electrodes, depending upon their charge. The voltages and currents are low, so there is minimal electrical hazard. The direct current of low voltage (at least 3 V) draws ions to the electrodes, and thereby isolates the ions in the region of the electrodes in an avalanche. By default, the lighter specific gravity ion-free water is displaced to float to the top of the reactants container, thereby sequestering the ion-rich water in the region of the electrodes. There is nothing to draw the ion-free water back down to the region of the electrodes once its clusters are ion-free. The water maintains separation with ion-free above the ion-rich, provided the current remains on during the decanting of the top floating ion-free water. The overlapping structure of sheets of metal in the electrode design function as an ion-trap, thus no separate membranes or filters are needed. The electrode effectively holds the ions temporarily while under electrical charge. 
     The reaction occurs immediately upon actuation of controller  295 . The clue that the ions have collapsed to the region of the electrodes is that bubbles begin to rise. Depending on the level of ions in the water, this may be immediately. Because the reactants tank is open at the top, gaseous oxygen and hydrogen are liberated so it is necessary that these gases be disposed of by venting into open air in order to prevent the possibility of an explosion. 
     When the current between electrode groups  285  and  285 ′ reaches a maximum value, most of the free ions are at the level of the electrodes and it is time to remove the treated water from tank  230  and pass it on to carbon filter  270 . 
     Removal of Water. 
     Water is removed from tank  230  in three stages. First valve  250  is opened, directing the treated water above electrodes  285  and  285 ′ into filter  270 . Next, the output of controller  295  is reduced to zero, deactivating the electrolysis process. Finally, valve  270  is opened, causing the ion-rich water to be released from tank  230 . The ion-rich waste water is delivered to a reservoir  265  via outflow pipe  255 . Reservoir  265  can be the original source of the water, another reservoir, or a waste stream (not shown). This water removal can be done manually or by automatic means. 
     In some cases, this ion-rich water can be further treated. Note that the ionized water was separated to either side of the reactants tank by a positive or a negative charge, i.e., to regions A and C ( FIG. 3 ). It is possible to place additional exit ports on either side of the reactants tank devoted to maintaining the electrical separation of the water by ionization. In this case the electrical charge would be maintained during the emptying operation, confining the water on the positive electrode side to be dominated by negative ions, and confining the water on the negative electrode side to be dominated by positive ions. Multiple exhaust ports can be located on the respective sides that drain to ion storage, which may then be given additional processing treatment if desired. 
     In other cases, the water will not be treated further, so both ion-rich positive discharges and ion-rich negative discharges may be mingled and flushed back into the originating pond to serve as nourishment for the next generation of algae feedstock, for example. As there is little residue in the tanks after normal flushing, no cleanup as such is usually required. Immediately upon draining, the valves are closed and the unit is refilled to begin another sequence. The valves may be actuated manually or electronically in an automated system. The time required to perform the flushing operation depends upon the size and number of exhaust ports, but is usually less than ten minutes. 
     Carbon Filter Operation. 
     Carbon filtering is considered a common operation in prior-art water treatment, as much as sand filtering, by most water treatment specialists. The ion-free and toxin neutralized water at this stage of treatment will be passed through a carbon filter, both to improve the taste and odor, and also to remove radiation. 
     In the present apparatus, carbon filtration is accomplished by directing the water to flow through a conduit that is approximately 30 cm long and has a 10 cm inside diameter, such as a PVC pipe filled with at least a 25 cm of carbon held in place with cotton wadding on both the input and output ends. Any other shape or diameter of conduit or material of construction is acceptable as long as the flow rate is about 20 liters per minute (lpm) or greater. This rate is often possible or at least approachable with gravity flow alone and a new filter. The carbon filtration unit may be positioned vertically, diagonally, or horizontally. An optional pump (as indicated above) may be used to push the water through the carbon filtration procedure to maintain that rate of flow. 
     Many undesirable elements in the water, such as radiation can be collected by the carbon. In virtually all water samples, the radiation from radon is a serious and unacknowledged problem. A Geiger counter can be used to monitor the background radiation so that when that number reaches a predetermined criterion, e.g., double the base rate, the carbon filter can be switched out. The Gamma-Scout hand-held radiation detector or Geiger counter, sold by GS Geiger Group of Brentwood, Calif., is an example of a general purpose survey meter for measuring and detecting ionizing radiation. It can detect alpha, beta, gamma, and x-ray radiation and displays an exposure rate in both mrem/hr (milli-rem/hr) and tSv/hr (microSievert/hr). The tSv is an internationally accepted unit for tissue dosage. Other, similar detectors can be used. 
     Carbon filtered water that has been sterilized, detoxified, de-ionized, and has the radiation removed may be held in storage containers. It is ready for drinking, cooking, bathing, and laundry operations, and there is enough of it for all of those activities. 
     A water sample of the sterilized, detoxified, ion-free water may be taken at this point through outflow port  275 . Specific gravity and pH may be measured. Other measures for water hardness may also be conducted. A specific gravity indication will show if the salt level is less than the one percent to qualify as fresh water rating. A pH test will allow the operator to make an adjustment to about a pH of 7 before the water is processed through the last filtration procedure. Acid up or down procedures are well known in the water treatment field. The ideal condition is a specific gravity of about 1 and a pH of about 7. 
     CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE 
     Accordingly, the reader will see that, in one or more aspects, I have provided a method and apparatus for removing cyanotoxins from water. The apparatus is relatively small, low cost, simple, safe, and portable. The process is rapid and simple enough to be performed by a small crew of operators, even in remote settings. The process and apparatus maintain the ecosystem, improve the economics of producing alternative energy, and recover fresh water for multiple uses. I am not presently aware of any other water treatment procedure that can neutralize the cyanotoxins as this one does, or any other water treatment that can process marine or brackish water to potability in a similar volume at a lower cost while removing the cyanotoxic threat. The apparatus provides a systematic process for a low cost, simple, safe, and rapid neutralization of cyanotoxins, and separation of ion-reduced water from ion-enriched water, and decontamination of radon radiation, from any contaminated source of algae/cyanobacteria alternative fuel processing. 
     While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but as exemplifications of some aspects of the embodiment shown. All aspects of the embodiment are scalable to any size and to handle any volume of material. Many kinds of toxic contamination in water can be treated by this method. Instead of manual operation, the operation of the system can be automated. Instead of one originating tank, there can be many. The process can be conducted in parallel with a plurality of filters and reactant chambers. The voltages and times shown can be varied in accordance with the toxicity of the supply water. The key to positioning the electrodes is in the constraints: (1) the positive not touch the negative, and (2) they are confined to the bottom half of the water being processed. Positioning vertical, diagonal, horizontal or number does not matter. 
     The quality of incoming water determines how many high voltage pulses are required to kill algae and bacteria and destroy cyanotoxins. At least one high voltage pulse is required, but five could be better. It depends on how bad the incoming supply of water is. If it is water known from the number of prior steps in the processing stream to be quite free of problems, one pulse is enough. Direct from a farm pond, five pulses at two seconds duration, and ten seconds apart, would be required. During those two seconds of application, and ten seconds between pulses, the water churn, exposing different surfaces to the electrodes. 
     The sand filter is not required if the incoming water is low in organic material. However, water from a farm pond requires a sand filter. The carbon filter is not needed if the water is being used to irrigate plants and as drinking water for some farm animals. The carbon filter is necessary to remove any radiation that is present. 
     Thus, the scope should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not only by the examples given.