Evaluation of the effectiveness of solar radiation for the disinfection of enteropathogenic e. coli <i>escherichia</i> contaminated water

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of solar radiation as a disinfection agent for EPEC contaminated water. Effectiveness of SODIS was determined using viable coliform counts on VRBA medium and inactivation was determined by a reduction in growth of the organisms. The results show that it is possible to achieve a complete decontamination of EPEC  contaminated water without any danger of bacterial re-growth if the disinfected water is properly stored for up to a week. In this study, SODIS of EPEC  contaminated water was successfully achieved to World Health Organization
(WHO) recommended levels for safe drinking water after 8 hours of exposure to direct sunlight. Furthermore, the SODIS water remained safe for drinking without any signs of bacterial re-growth for more than 4 days.