Evaluation of bactericidal efficacy of silver ions on Escherichia coli for drinking water disinfection

Purpose

The purpose of this study is the development of a suitable process for the disinfection of drinking water by evaluating bactericidal efficacy of silver ions from silver electrodes.

Methods

A prototype of a silver ioniser with silver electrodes and control unit has been fabricated. Silver ions from silver electrodes in water samples were estimated with an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. A fresh culture of Escherichia coli (1.75?×?10³ c.f.u./ml) was exposed to 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20?ppb of silver ions in 100?ml of autoclaved tap water for 60?min. The effect of different pH and temperatures on bactericidal efficacy was observed at constant silver ion concentration (5?ppb) and contact time of 30?min.

Results

The maximum bactericidal activity (100%) was observed at 20?ppb of silver ion concentration indicating total disinfection after 20?min while minimum bactericidal activity (25%) was observed after 10?min at 01?ppb of silver ions. Likewise, 100% bactericidal activity was noticed with 2, 5 and 10?ppb of silver ions after 60, 50 and 40?min, respectively. Bactericidal activity at pH?5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 was observed at 79.9%, 79.8%, 80.5%, 100% and 100%, respectively, whereas it was 80.4%, 88.3%, 100%, 100% and 100% at 10°C, 20°C, 30°C, 40°C and 50°C, respectively.

Conclusion

The findings of this study revealed that very low concentrations of silver ions at pH?8?C9 and temperature >20°C have bactericidal efficacy for total disinfection of drinking water. Silver ionisation is suitable for water disinfection and an appropriate alternative to chlorination which forms carcinogenic disinfection by-products.