INACTIVATION OF VIRUSES IN WATER BY ANODIC-OXIDATION

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 166  (6) , 542-557
Abstract
The inactivating effect of anodic oxidation on viruses performed in an experimental electrolytic polarization unit was investigated with 11 different viruses suspended in tap and superficial water. Attempts were made to define the influence of factors important in experimental and water respect. Using concentrations up to 104 infectious units per ml, representing a multiple quantity of the virus demonstrable in contaminated environmental water, all viruses investigated could be inactivated reliably and rationally when suspended in tap water, more easily, however, in water of improved conductivity, by passing the current leading unit once. Anodic oxidation represents a fast and rational not denaturing method for decontamination of virus containing water. Varying conditions of a water and bacterial contamination, so far remaining within naturally ocurring scope, have only little or no influence on the inactivating effect on viruses. The applicability of the method is discussed briefly.