Effect of Aggregation on Vibrio Cholerae Inactivation
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 120, Issue 4
Abstract
Extensive research has shown that microorganisms exhibit increased resistance due to clumping, aggregation, particle association, or modification of antecedent growth conditions. During the course of investigating a major water‐borne Vibrio cholerae outbreak in Peru, U.S. EPA investigators discovered an extremely rough form of Vibrio cholerae that was highly resistance to disinfection by chlorine. This form of Vibrio cholerae also tends to form large aggregates, which contribute to the resistance. Particle counting was used to characterize each of the cultures examined. Statistical analysis revealed that the rugose, or rough, strain of Vibrio cholerae was much more resistant to disinfection than the common, or smooth, strain. Resistance was attributed to both aggregation and a mucoid coating. The larger aggregates associated with the rugose organism are of a size as to be easily removed by filtration, but if the variant were to contaminate a distribution system through a line break or cross connection it would be difficult to control by chlorine disinfection.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 120 • Issue 4 • July 1994
Pages: 875 - 887
Copyright
Copyright © 1994 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 12, 1993
Published online: Jul 1, 1994
Published in print: Jul 1994
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