Inhibition of growth of Escherichia coli cells by the sodium chloride and potassium anolites after treatment of solutions in a diaphragm electrolyser

The relationship between the inhibitory effect, of sodium chloride and pota ssium anolites! obtained in a diaphragm electrolyser, and the physicochemic al parameters of solutions was compared with that between the inhibitory ef fect and physicochemical properties of hypochlorites obtained after treatin g the solutions in an electrolyser haring no diaphragm was compared, The bi ological activity of solutions containing molecular chlorine, hypochlorous acid,and hypochlorite ions was determined by their effect on the growth of E. coli cells. After a 5-min incubation of cells with each of the oxidizers , the bacterial growth stopped and was aat restored during one day. The con clusion is made that the oxidizers irreversibly disturb the barrier propert ies of cell membranes and, in some cases, destroy cells. in model solutions , as. well as in solutions treated after heating on a water bath or after t he addition of sodium thiosulfate, a delay in the start of E. coli growth o ccurs. After the lag-phase, the repair of cells sets on, and after a day th e optical density of cells increases and approaches the control.