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Abstract
Performic acid (PFA) is an oxidizing agent which has recently attracted attention its for use as disinfectant in the medical field and food industry. This study investigated the efficacy of PFA catalyzed by both sulfuric and ascorbic acid. Tap water in one experiment and sterilized activated sludge effluent (ASE) in another, were used for the preparation of aqueous solutions. Escherichia coli was used as the target micro-organism to investigate the efficacy of catalyzed PFA. The results were analyzed to set up the pertinent mathematical relationship according to Hom’s model. Applying the highest initial dose of 15 mg l−1, showed the superior catalytic action of sulfuric acid and 7-log inactivation was achieved in 30 min of disinfection period. Application of PFA on E. coli in our experiment caused CT value of 12.16 mg min l−1 for 99% inactivation and CT value of 23.82 mg min l−1 for 99.9% inactivation. PFA produced 4-log inactivation at a CT value of 35.48 mg min l−1. The results showed that, the promoting action of sulfuric acid is expected in higher initial dose of PFA when synthetic liquid medium was prepared of sterilized ASE. The disinfection efficacy of PFA is proved to be less than free chlorine and more than chloramines.
Acknowledgment
This research was supported by grants from Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services and the technical laboratory support of Kimia Faam Pharmaceutical Company.