SOLAR-CATALYTIC INACTIVATION OF ESCHERICHIA-COLI IN AQUEOUS-SOLUTIONSUSING TIO2 AS CATALYST

Escherichia Coli (E. coli) was used as an index to assess the disinfec tion of water-borne microorganisms by sunlight irradiation in the pres ence of a titanium dioxide (TiO2, anatase) photocatelyst. With 23 min. irradiation, more than 99% of the spiked E. Coli was inactivated in w ater solutions. No significant changes in E. coli were observed in the irradiated control with no TiO2 added, or in the water solution that was not irradiated but contained TiO2. The inactivation of E. coli was attributed to the generation of free hydroxyl radicals during irradia tion of TiO2 in the aqueous solution.