title: Inactivation of bacterial biothreat agents in water, a review.
abstract: Water supplies and water distribution systems have been identified as potential targets for contamination by bacterial biothreat agents. Since the 2001 Bacillus anthracis bioterrorist attacks, additional efforts have been aimed at research to characterize biothreat organisms in regards to their susceptibility to disinfectants and technologies currently in use for potable water. Here, we present a review of research relevant to disinfection of bacteria with the potential to pose a severe threat to public health and safety, and their potential surrogates. The efficacy of chlorine, monochloramine, chlorine dioxide, and ultraviolet light to inactivate each organism in suspension is described. The complexities of disinfection under varying water conditions and when the organisms are associated with biofilms in distribution systems are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA E-mail: lrose@cdc.gov.
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Rose
authors.affiliation: National Homeland Security Research Center, US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
authors.forename: E W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Rice
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D018407:Bacterial Physiological Phenomena / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000737:chemistry*; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D060766:Drinking Water / Q000382:microbiology*; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D004202:Disinfectants; D060766:Drinking Water