Disinfection of Bacillus globigii Spores Using an Atmospheric Pressure Microwave Plasma System
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 139, Issue 11
Abstract
This paper examines the application of atmospheric pressure microwave plasma (APMP) for disinfection of water contaminated by Bacillus globigii spores. The results were most promising when or were used as plasma gases. The most probable cause for disinfection due to plasma can be attributed to the presence of germicidal ultraviolet radiation. On the other hand, the presence of metastable oxygen species (which are very reactive) in the oxygen plasma effluents was attributed as the most likely cause of sterilization of Bacillus globigii spores. By choosing the correct combination of gas mixtures and microwave power level, the authors were able to achieve greater than inactivation. AMPM may be a suitable alternative to traditional disinfection techniques (e.g. chlorination) when they are difficult or impracticable.
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Acknowledgments
The authors are thankful to Drs. Mike Sitko, David Wendell, George Sorial, Peter Kosel and Dionysios D. Dionysiou for their guidance and support. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through its Office of Research and Development funded the research described herein under contract EP-C-11-006 to Pegasus Technical Services. It has been reviewed by the Agency but does not necessarily reflect the Agency’s views. No official endorsement should be inferred. EPA does not endorse the purchase or sale of any commercial products or services.
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Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 139 • Issue 11 • November 2013
Pages: 1409 - 1412
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 14, 2012
Accepted: Jun 10, 2013
Published online: Jun 13, 2013
Published in print: Nov 1, 2013
Discussion open until: Nov 13, 2013
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