Simulation of biocide effect on bacterial model in aquatic systems

Abstract

In recent years, the increasing use of biocides has lead to concerns about the development and emergence of biocide resistant microorganisms, due to their adaptation mechanisms. Various biocide technologies have been used successfully in water treatment applications, but their constantly increased production and excessive usage had turned to generate considerable environmental and economic impact. Water is an essential element to preserve life but, at the same time, it is a perfect environment to spread harmful chemical compounds and pathogens. The aquatic systems could be the source of pathogenic microorganisms responsible for an epidemiological risk such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The chemical agencies have approved biocides such as chlorine-based products or active oxygen-based on their different molecular targets and efficiency against microorganisms. This study described the differences in the response of tested microorganisms to biocides chlorine-based products or active oxygen at various concentrations (2 ÷ 50 mg/L) and incubation time from 5 minutes and up to 30 minutes.