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Inactivation of norovirus attached to brine-dispersed microplastics using ultraviolet-C LED irradiation based on a viability-indicating RT-qPCR assay
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Researchers found that norovirus attached to brine-dispersed microplastics—as occur in sea-salt-contaminated water kimchi—could be inactivated by UV treatment, quantifying the disinfection efficiency and implications for microplastic-associated pathogen risk in fermented foods.
Dongchimi is a representative type of water kimchi exposed to cross-contamination by microplastics (MPs) introduced from sea salt. The risk of pathogenic microbial cross-contamination from the microbial community on the surface of MPs (plastispheres) has gained particular attention. This study quantified the inactivation efficacy of UVC-LED irradiation on HuNoV attached to MPs. We conducted multivariate statistical analysis using response surface methodology based on the Box–Behnken design technique to model the correlations and optimized parameters of experimental variables, such as MP concentration, brine agitation, and UVC-LED dose. The optimal inactivation conditions were 300 RPM of agitation speed, MP concentration of 11.9%, and 30 mJ/cm 2 UVC-LED dose. Our model adequately fit the experimental data (R 2 =0.9782) and predicted a maximal inactivation value of 4.33 log 10 genomic copies under the optimized conditions. We found that the frequency and dose of UVC-LED exposure were key parameters that enhance its inactivation efficacy in brine treatment processes using sea salt. In conclusion, the UVC-LED disinfection approach proposed in this study offers valuable insights for designing optimal control strategies and technologies to prevent infectious diseases, particularly those associated with cross-contamination by HuNoV in MPs. • UVC-LED disinfection of HuNoV on microplastics in brine was evaluated • Box–Behnken design and RSM were used to optimize key disinfection parameters • Agitation speed and UVC dose were critical for HuNoV inactivation efficacy • The model showed a strong fit and predicted 4.33 log 10 copy reduction • This approach offers insight for safer brine fermentation using sea salt
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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.
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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.
Assessing biofilm formation and resistance of vibrio parahaemolyticus on UV-aged microplastics in aquatic environments
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Researchers found that UV-weathered microplastics in seawater promote more bacterial biofilm growth than fresh microplastics, and that the food-poisoning bacterium Vibrio parahaemolyticus becomes more resistant to common disinfection methods when growing on these aged plastics. Bacteria on the UV-aged microplastics showed increased resistance to chlorine, heat, and even the harsh conditions of the human stomach. This means that microplastics weathered by sunlight in the ocean could make seafood-borne pathogens harder to kill, increasing food safety risks.
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.
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.
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