The effectiveness of a multi-spark electric discharge system in the destruction of microorganisms in domestic and industrial wastewaters.

The aim of this work was to investigate the effectiveness of a high voltage multi-spark electric discharge, with pulse energy of 1 Joule, in killing microorganisms in wastewater. Wastewater from primary treated effluent arising from domestic and industrial sources was abstracted for continuous pulsed discharge disinfection. The wastewater contained a large mixed population of microorganisms (approximately 10(7) CFU ml(-1) [10(9) CFU 100 ml(-1)] total aerobic heterotrophic bacteria) including vegetative cells and spores.

Pulsed high voltage electric discharge disinfection of microbially contaminated liquids.

Aims: To examine the use of a novel multielectrode slipping surface discharge (SSD) treatment system, capable of pulsed plasma discharge directly in water, in killing micro-organisms.

Methods And Results: Potable water containing Escherichia coli and somatic coliphages was treated with pulsed electric discharges generated by the SSD. The SSD system was highly efficient in the microbial disinfection of water with a low energy utilization (eta approximately 10-4 kW h l-1).