Effects of Electrical Current on Fungal and Bacterial Removal from Water

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 MSc of Microbiology, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon Branch, Tonekabon

2 MSc of Microbiology, Young Researchers and Elite Club, Chalus Branch, Islamic Azad University, Chalus, Iran

3 Ass. Prof., Islamic Azad Univeristy, Babol Branch, Babol

Abstract

Removing pathogens from water to prevent the spread of water-borne diseases is of great importance. The present study was designed and implemented to investigate the effects of electric current on Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, Escherichia coli, and the Candida albicans yeast. For this purpose, nutrient Agar and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar were used as the media to activate the bacteria and yeasts, respectively. Part of the colony from each medium was taken into an experimental tube to prepare suspensions. The number of microorganisms in 1 cc of each suspension was calculated at time zero and the suspension was poured into the electrolysis container. Samples of the microbial suspensions were taken in triplicates after 5 ,10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes and transferred into the culture medium. Measurements were recorded upon completion of  the incubation period. It was found that the bacteria and the yeast could be killed using a voltage of 16.5 v and a current of mA such that the number of E. coli decreased significantly after 25 and 30 minutes. The results indicate that each microorganism species exhibits its own charateristic sensitivity  to electrical current so that increased voltage and/or prolonged exposure to the current will have a higher inhibitory effect on the growth of most species of microorganism.

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References

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Journal of Water and Wastewater; Ab va Fazilab ( in persian )
Volume 27, Issue 3 - Serial Number 103
Serial Number: 103
July and August 2016
Pages 20-25

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