Inactivation of bacteria in seawater by low-amperage electric current.
Seawater used in mariculture has been suspected of being a potential source of infection. In this study, the lethal effects of low-amperage electric treatment on microorganisms were examined in natural seawater and in seawater inoculated with Vibrio parahaemolyticus. In both cases, bacteria including V. parahaemolyticus in seawater were completely eliminated in 100 ms by a 0.5-A, 12-V direct current. Electron microscopic investigation of the electrically treated bacteria revealed substantial structural damage at the cellular level. In conclusion, our results indicate that low-amperage electric treatment is effective for rapid inactivation of microorganisms in seawater.
Park
Jong-Chul
JC
Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seodaemun-ku, Seoul 120-752, Korea. parkjc@yumc.yonsei.ac.kr
Lee
Min Sub
MS
Lee
Dong Hee
DH
Park
Bong Joo
BJ
Han
Dong-Wook
DW
Uzawa
Masakazu
M
Takatori
Kosuke
K
D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004560:Electricity; D004572:Electrolysis; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D012623:Seawater / Q000382:microbiology*; D013242:Sterilization / Q000379:methods*; D013696:Temperature; D014736:Vibrio parahaemolyticus / Q000254:growth & development / Q000648:ultrastructure