Electrochemical Inactivation of Bacillus subtilis Spores
Bacterial spores are highly resistant to various chemical disinfectants. Bacillus anthracis, an endospore-forming bacterium, human pathogen responsible for the disease anthrax, can infiltrate potable water as an agent of bioterrorism. Initial studies indicate that, unlike batch chlorination, the electrolytic cell inactivates Bacillus subtilis spores at a higher rate. In this study, an electrochemical disinfection technique was used to assess the rate of spore inactivation by taking samples at different exposure times and analyzing viability. The concentration of free chlorine generated in the electrolytic reactor was also measured. At pH 6.48, temperature 25.5°C, and CT 52 mg*min/L, there was over 2-log10 removal of B. subtilis spores exposed to electrochemical disinfection. At pH 6 and temperature 20°C, a CT of 327 mg*min/L was required to inactivate over 2-log10 of spores exposed solely to free chlorine. Thus, electrolysis is a more effective process for inactivation of B. subtilis spores than free chlorine alone.
School:
University of New Orleans
Department:
Biological Sciences
Research Advisor:
Benito Mariñas
Department of Research Advisor:
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Year of Publication:
2006