How does the inactivation of Escherichia coli in water affect the quality of drinking water?5 answersThe inactivation of Escherichia coli in water significantly impacts the quality of drinking water. Various methods have been studied for this purpose. Copper sheets have shown the ability to entirely inactivate E. coli within 24 hours, potentially providing safe drinking water in low-resource areas. Ultraviolet (UV) treatment requires a dose of approximately 12 mJ cm−2 to achieve a 3 log-reduction of E. coli, but there is a risk of reactivation if stored in an illuminated environment. Plasma jets generated under atmospheric pressure have also been effective in decontaminating water by producing reactive oxygen species that interact with bacterial cells, causing their death without the use of chemicals. Additionally, a laboratory-scale radio-frequency atmospheric pressure Argon plasma jet has demonstrated effective inactivation of E. coli in drinking water, reducing bacterial counts significantly. These methods highlight the importance of efficient disinfection techniques in ensuring safe drinking water quality.
Does presence of bacteria indicates contamination?4 answersThe presence of bacteria does not necessarily indicate contamination. In the context of degenerative disc disease (DDD), Rajasekaran et al. found bacterial-specific metabolites in intervertebral discs, indicating colonization and growth. Similarly, Decates et al. identified a high level of Gram-positive bacteria in biopsies of soft tissue fillers, suggesting introduction during the primary filler injection treatment. Lininger et al. observed greater fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) concentrations in a city with combined sewer overflows (CSOs), indicating a potential role of CSOs in FIB presence. However, Yamamoto et al. found that the presence of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) in blood cultures correlated with an increase in blood culture contamination rate (ConR), suggesting a predictive indicator of contamination. Therefore, the presence of bacteria can indicate colonization, introduction during medical procedures, or potential contamination depending on the specific context.
What are the effects of microbial contamination on food safety?3 answersMicrobial contamination in food can have significant effects on food safety. Contaminated food can lead to foodborne illnesses, causing a range of diseases from diarrhea to cancers. Bacterial contamination is one of the most common types of contamination and poses a great threat to human health. Bacteria can easily contaminate food at various stages of the food chain, including during farming, processing, and storage. Improving food safety through proper management practices is crucial in achieving food security. Innovative technologies and manufacturing processes are being developed to enhance the quality and safety of food without compromising its characteristics. Nanotechnology has shown promise in inhibiting microbial proliferation and increasing the shelf life of food, but its application requires careful consideration of potential toxicological effects. Bacterial foodborne illnesses, such as salmonellosis and E. coli infection, can have severe consequences, ranging from mild gastroenteritis to renal failure or paralysis.
What are the reasons for deteriorating permeate quality in RO-Membranes?5 answersThe deteriorating permeate quality in RO membranes can be attributed to several factors. One major factor is membrane fouling, which refers to the deposition and accumulation of foulants on the membrane's surface and/or within its pores. This fouling can be categorized into particulate, organic, inorganic, and biofouling. Another reason for deteriorating permeate quality is the increase in feed water salinity, which leads to an increase in permeate salinity. Additionally, the increase in feed water temperature can also result in an increase in permeate salinity. Furthermore, the compaction and embossing of the membrane due to ultra-high pressures can lead to a decline in performance and increased salt passage. Biofouling has been identified as the primary contributor to flux decline in RO membranes, followed by inorganic fouling. To mitigate these issues, strategies such as anti-biofouling countermeasures, anti-scaling schemes, and customized membrane designs have been suggested.
What are the effects of microorganisms on water?2 answersMicroorganisms have various effects on water quality. Phytoplankton and bacteria are the main contributors to water quality, with phytoplankton being the primary producers and bacteria responsible for organic matter decomposition and nutrient recycling. These microorganisms can cause changes in pH, dissolved oxygen concentration, and carbon dioxide concentration in water bodies. In eutrophic waters, blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, tend to dominate phytoplankton communities and can lead to surface scums, thermal stratification, and taste and odor problems in water supplies. Other microorganisms, such as algae, protozoa, diatoms, iron bacteria, copepods, nematode worms, sowbugs, midge larvae, snails, and molluscs, can also affect water supplies by producing tastes, odors, clogging filters, or interfering with water treatment processes. Microbiotic cycles can further impact water quality by influencing color, turbidity, alkalinity, acidity, dissolved oxygen, surface tension, potability, organic content, and palatability.
What is the impact of fouling on the performance of reverse osmosis membranes?3 answersFouling has a significant impact on the performance of reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. It reduces membrane lifespan, permeability, and increases operating pressure and chemical cleaning frequency. Fouling can be caused by various types of foulants, including particulates, organic compounds, inorganic scaling, and biological matter. The accumulation of foulants on the membrane surfaces and inside the membrane pores leads to reduced water quality and quantity, hindering the efficacy and economic aspects of RO membranes. The type of foulant and its interactions with the membrane materials play a crucial role in fouling. Divalent cations promote fouling by hydrophobic organic foulants, while monovalent cations promote fouling by smaller fulvic acids. Surface roughness also influences fouling propensity, with rougher membranes experiencing more severe fouling. Mitigation strategies for fouling include surface modification of membranes, incorporation of nanomaterials, and pretreatment processes to reduce foulant concentrations. Overall, understanding fouling mechanisms and developing antifouling strategies are crucial for improving the performance and efficiency of RO membranes.