Sterilization of solutions by underwater electric discharges

A possibility of using low-voltage underwater pinhole discharge for sterilization of aqueous solutions has been considered. It was experimentally established that the time of complete sterilization of a solution is determined by the type of bacterial culture and the number of diaphragms. The posteffect phenomenon has been revealed. The sterilizing property of the solution persists for a long time. An analysis of the results has allowed for identification of the main sterilizing factors, which include chemically active species, discharge-induced shock and sound waves, and UV radiation.