Effects of ethanol on the electrochemical removal of Bacillus subtilis spores from water

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize the effects of ethanol on the monopolar electrochemical process to remove Bacillus subtilis spores from drinking water. In particular, spores' destruction was tested by applying 20-100 mA current for 15-60 min to B. subtilis spores (102-104 CFU/mL density), with stainless steel electrodes. The experimental results showed electrochemical removal of spores in the presence of 0.4 M ethanol at 15, 45, and 60 min and 5 mA/cm2 current density. However, the use of ethanol or the electrochemical process alone did not eliminate B. subtilis spores at these time points. Overall, this study suggests that adding ethanol to the electrochemical process successfully removes B. subtilis spores from drinking water.