Prolonged microbial resistance of water treated by a pulsed electrical discharge

Abstract

The main characteristics of pulsed discharges in water are studied, such as the discharge current, voltage drop across the discharge gap, temperature of the discharge column, and plasma conductivity, as well as compression waves and ultraviolet radiation, which are induced by the discharge. The physicochemical properties of water treated by pulsed discharges are considered in the context of the effect produced on microorganisms. The mechanism underlying the prolonged microbial resistance of water—its capability of retaining a high activity against virtually all known pathogenic microorganisms and human-opportunistic fungi for many months after the discharge treatment—is explained.