Abstract
Deionized (DI) water contaminated with Salmonella typhimurium ( S. typhimurium ) or E. coli B bacteria was disinfected by alternating current. Ammonium sulfate, sodium nitrate and phosphate buffer were used as electrolytes. Disinfection was carried out in the circulation system including an electrochemical cell with three types of electrodes; stainless steel, titanium and nickel. The process efficiency was estimated and the number of killed bacteria was directly proportional to the water treatment time and concentration of hydroxyl radicals generated by electrolysis. The presence of OH radicals was detected with N,N-dimethyl-p-nitrosoaniline (RNO) used as a spin trap. Similar experiments were carried out with water remaining after poultry washing at poultry farms and additionally contaminated with S. typhimurium bacteria. Measures were recommended to increase the process efficiency and decrease the water treatment time.