The Effect of Radioactive Phosphorus upon a Suspension of Escherichia coli

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Abstract
Radioactive phosphorus (P32) added to a suspension of E. coli in phosphate buffer has a definitely lethal effect upon the cells that in a general way is related to the initial concn. Complete sterilization of the suspension was not obtained in the highest concn. tested. The survivor curve indicated a more rapid rate of killing during the first time interval and the existence of a small percentage of the cells that were more resistant and survived to the end of the expt. Results do not suggest any possibility of the application of radioactive materials to the sterilization of food products.