Open AccessInactivation of bacterial biothreat agents in water, a review
Author(s) -
Laura J. Rose,
Eugene W. Rice
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of water and health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.482
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1996-7829
pISSN - 1477-8920
DOI - 10.2166/wh.2014.038
Subject(s) - bacillus anthracis , chlorine , disinfectant , chlorine dioxide , microbiology and biotechnology , organism , water disinfection , biofilm , ultraviolet light , contamination , bacteria , legionella , potable water , biology , environmental science , chemistry , environmental engineering , ecology , inorganic chemistry , paleontology , genetics , organic chemistry , photochemistry
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.
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