Is a solution imminent for the nation's worst drinking water contaminant -- perchlorate -- which can damage the thyroid gland? It appears to be so.

Pure-O-Tech, Inc., headquartered in San Diego County, California -- a provider of environmentally safe solutions in water and food security applications utilizing innovative ozone-based technologies -- announced today that it has entered into a strategic alliance with San Diego State University Foundation. The alliance is for the purpose of research, development and commercialization of a patented technology for the removal of perchlorate, a highly oxidized form of chlorine that contaminates ground and surface waters that serve as drinking water resources for millions of Americans, and which is believed to contaminate a significant amount of the fresh and ground water available in the State of California, and other areas of the country as well.

Under the terms of the agreement, San Diego State University (SDSU) will grant Pure-O-Tech, Inc. an exclusive license option of SDSU's patented technology. In addition to providing Pure-O-Tech access to the technology for development and commercialization, the agreement provides for SDSU and Pure-O-Tech, Inc. to share in the economic benefits resulting from the business venture established by both parties. Based on the current perchlorate clean-up problems and the estimated market size, this could potentially be a multi-million dollar business opportunity. Ron Tesmer, CEO and Chairman of the Board for Pure-O-Tech, Inc. states, "This technology, identified and developed by SDSU, is an important breakthrough in eliminating a hazardous drinking water and food safety concern which is receiving national attention. We believe the collaboration of Pure-O-Tech with San Diego State University to further develop and commercialize this technology will provide an effective solution to perchlorate problems wherever they exist."

According to Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit research organization, perchlorate contaminates more than 500 drinking water sources in 20 states, serving in excess of 20 million people. EWG also reports that perchlorate affects public health by restricting the thyroid gland's ability to make essential hormones. For fetuses, infants and children, disruptions in thyroid hormone levels can cause lowered IQ, mental retardation, loss of hearing and speech, and motor skill deficits. Among perchlorate-contaminated sources is the Colorado River, which not only provides drinking water for many Americans, but is also is an important irrigation channel for the agricultural industry. Food is an important exposure pathway for perchlorate contamination as evidenced by a study commissioned by EWG at Texas Tech University that showed excessive levels of perchlorate in lettuce.

Commenting on the Pure-O-Tech and SDSU alliance, the inventor of the perchlorate elimination patent, Dr. Mirat Gurol, Blasker Chair, Department of Environmental Engineering, San Diego State University, said, "This patented perchlorate elimination technology has advantages over existing perchlorate remediation technologies in all three critical success factors: destruction of perchlorate, lower health risk, and cost effectiveness. Our technology eliminates perchlorate from water through a chemical process that reduces perchlorate ion into chloride ion, which is a benign salt component. In addition, the technology offers the potential for eliminating other types of contaminants commonly found in groundwater, including nitrate and NDMA (nitrosodimethylamine)." Barry Janov, Director, San Diego State University Foundation, Technology Transfer Office commented, "We are extremely excited about the opportunity to further develop and commercialize this technology with Pure-O-Tech and to finally provide an effective solution to eliminate a major contaminant to our drinking water. This strategic agreement with Pure-O-Tech once again demonstrates SDSU's commitment to academia's role in leading edge technological development for the betterment of society."

Headquartered in San Diego County, Pure-O-Tech, Inc. is a key provider of ozone-based technologies that provides practical applications for water treatment and food safety and security concerns through the elimination of pathogens. Ozone, being one of nature's best disinfectants, is capable of inactivating a myriad of microorganisms. Among Pure-O-Tech's current customers are nurseries, farms, golf courses, transportation companies and food retail establishments. All of Pure-O-Tech's current products utilize patented technology and are environmentally safe, highly effective and meet regulatory standards. Incorporating perchlorate removal technology into Pure-O-Tech's already existing water treatment/remediation portfolio will further enhance Pure-O-Tech's mission to provide a safer and healthier environment for future generations to come.

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the university has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 79 areas, master's degrees in 67 areas and doctorates in 14 areas. SDSU's more than 34,000 students participate in academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PERCHLORATE

See these articles on perchlorate and thyroid disease.