Inactivation of pathogen microorganisms present in the treated wastewater by Pulsed Electric Field (PEF)

In this study, Pulsed Electric Field is experienced for inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms present in the treatment plant effluents. In analyses, E. coli and Salmonella typhimurium cells which are the indicators of fecal contamination, endospor forming Bacillus subtilis cells, and Ascaris eggs which exist in the effluent and especially in the sewage sludge are used. In the treatment, the inactivation rates and the resistivity of these microorganisms are investigated at different electrical fields and treatment times. In addition, determination studies of the survival times of these organisms in soil were done.In the results, in 8,5 kV/cm electrical field strength and 32 minutes treatment time inactivation rate of 52 % for E. coli and 97 % for S. typhimurium were achieved. As a result of this study, suggestions were given about the inactivation with pulsed electric field. Inactivation with pulsed electric field is considered to be an alternative method for the wastewater effluents, especially to use in agricultural irrigation.