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Appl Environ Microbiol. 1970 March; 19(3): 421-424
Copyright © 1970 American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Lethal Effects of Electric Current on Escherichia coli

Laboratoire de Génétique, Faculté des Sciences de Toulouse, Toulouse, France

ABSTRACT

An attempt has been made to use low-voltage alternating current to kill microorganisms such as Escherichia coli. The bactericidal effect depends on the energy passing through the suspension and on the time during which the cells are left standing in the medium after the treatment. Most of the toxicity is due to an indirect effect developed with unalterable electrodes in the presence of chlorides in the medium. This method might be applied to eliminate pollution of natural waters.

¹ Present address: Institut National des Sciences Appliquées, Département de Chimie, Avenue de Rangueil, Toulouse, France.