Nonthermal Biological Treatments Using Discharge Plasma Produced by Pulsed Power 5. Inactivation of Cryptosporidium Oocysts by UV Emission Generated from Pulsed Arc Discharge in Water

Abstract

Cryptosporidium contaminates most surface waters around the world. It is difficult to remove through conventional treatment processes, and is extremely resistant to the method of chemical disinfection typically used to inactivate these microorganisms. We have developed a new technology for inactivating Cryptosporidium oocysts by using a pulsed arc discharge in water, which creates shock waves, UV emissions, and radicals. The pulsed arc is generated between two cylindrical stainless steel rod electrodes, 6 mm in diameter, and 2 mm apart. We applied this method to the inactivation of oocysts in backwash water from a sand-filter unit of a drinking water plant. The results indicate that the major factor influencing inactivation is UV emissions, and that more than 99% of the oocysts in the high turbidity backwash water (80 NTU) are inactivated with an energy of 0.24 kWh/m³.