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Inactivation of Escherichia coli and Yersinia enterocolitica attached to water-dispersed microplastics using ultraviolet C light-emitting diode irradiation
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Harmful bacteria like E. coli can hide on tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in water, making them harder to kill with standard UV disinfection. This study found that adding stirring or agitation during UV treatment significantly boosted bacteria-killing power by keeping the plastic particles moving and exposed to the light, a simple fix that could make water treatment safer and more effective at removing both microplastics and the germs riding on them.
The disinfection effect of ultraviolet C light-emitting diode (UVC-LED) irradiation on pathogenic microorganisms attached to microplastic surfaces has not been investigated. This study quantified the effect of UVC-LED irradiation on the inactivation kinetics of Escherichia coli and Yersinia enterocolitica attached to polycarbonate microplastics (PC-MPs). For comprehensive analysis, disinfection was performed under different agitation speeds (0–300 rpm). A UVC-LED dose of 30 mJ/cm2 reduced the E. coli and Y. enterocolitica counts by 2.11 log and 4.32 log, respectively, whereas agitation at 300 rpm promoted corresponding reductions of 4.41 log and 5.68 log. Attachment onto PC-MPs affected UVC-LED-induced inactivation of the two pathogenic bacteria, but the disinfection effect could be increased via stirring. An increase in the stirring speed increased the fluidity of MPs and the frequency of exposure of the MP surfaces to the UVC-LED light source, inducing a synergistic effect on the disinfection of microorganisms attached to the MPs. To better characterize inactivation kinetics under heterogeneous conditions, five mathematical models (log-linear, Weibull, double Weibull, biphasic, and biphasic shoulder) were applied as complementary approaches, with model selection was based on goodness-of-fit criteria. This study has elucidated the UVC-LED disinfection effect on pathogenic microorganisms present on MPs in water treatment processes, thus contributing to future strategies for ensuring food safety.
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Investigation of the effect of microplastics on the UV inactivation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in water
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Researchers found that polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride microplastics significantly reduced UV disinfection effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, as bacteria associated with microplastic surfaces were shielded from UV exposure, creating a potential public health concern.
Influence of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastic morphology on bacterial survival during thermal and ultraviolet-C inactivation in aqueous systems
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Tiny plastic particles (microplastics) that are increasingly found in water and food can help harmful bacteria survive heat and UV light treatments that are normally used to kill them. The shape and roughness of these plastic particles matters, rougher particles protect bacteria even better than smooth ones, which means microplastics could make it harder to safely disinfect our water and food supplies.
Microplastics as potential barriers to ultraviolet light emitting diode inactivation of MS2 bacteriophage: Influence of water-quality parameters
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Researchers investigated whether microplastics in water could interfere with UV-LED disinfection, a common method used to kill viruses in drinking water. They found that PVC microplastics can shield viruses from UV light, reducing disinfection effectiveness, especially at higher microplastic concentrations and under certain water chemistry conditions. The findings suggest that microplastic contamination in water sources may compromise the safety of UV-based water treatment.
Bacterial-microplastic interaction can affect disinfection efficiency of methods routinely used in the food industry
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Tiny plastic particles that end up in food production facilities may help harmful bacteria like E. coli and Listeria survive common cleaning methods, blocking UV light from killing germs and even neutralizing a common disinfectant chemical. This matters because it suggests some standard sanitizing practices in the food industry might be less effective than we think when microplastics are present, potentially allowing more foodborne pathogens to slip through. The findings highlight a need to rethink disinfection strategies as microplastic pollution continues to spread into places where our food is made.
Alteration in microbial community and antibiotic resistance genes mediated by microplastics during wastewater ultraviolet disinfection
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Researchers found that polystyrene microplastics altered microbial community composition and antibiotic resistance gene profiles during UV disinfection of urban wastewater, with certain microplastic concentrations enhancing the survival of specific antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
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