Electrochemical chlorine-free AC disinfection of water contaminated with Salmonella typhimurium bacteria

Deionized (DI) water contaminated with Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) bacteria was disinfected by alternating current. Ammonium sulfate was used as electrolyte. Disinfection was carried out in the circulation system including an electrochemical cell with stainless steel electrodes. The process efficiency was estimated and the number of killed bacteria was directly proportional to the water treatment time and concentration of hydroxyl radicals generated by electrolysis. The presence of OH radicals was detected with N,N-dimethyl-p-nitrosoaniline (RNO) used as a spin trap. Similar experiments were carried out with water remaining after poultry washing at poultry farms and additionally contaminated with S. typhimurium bacteria. Measures were recommended to increase the process efficiency and decrease the water treatment time.