Survey of the effect of water disinfection with chlorine on release and removal of endotoxin

Document Type : Original Research

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Abstract

Introduction. Bacterial endotoxins are component of the lipopolysaccharide that their exposing results to diarrhea, vomiting, fever, shock, intravascular coagulation and death. In this study the effects of water disinfection with chlorine on release and removal of endotoxin was investigated. Materials and Methods. Various forms and concentrations of free chlorine were used for disinfection of E.Coli (ATCC: 25922) and removal of originated endotoxin. The study was carried out in a batch experiment reactor with 50ml volume. Ultimate disinfection contact time was 40 minutes. The plate count was used for bacterial counts and determination of bacterial viability. Detection of endotoxin was been carried out by spectrophotometric absorbance in 535nm. After chlorination of water, the sampling was carried out with sequence time of 5,10,20,30 and 40 minutes. Results. Chlorine as a conventional disinfectant resulted in bacterial death and release of endotoxin and in conventional disinfection contact time (15-30min) has no effect on endotoxin removal. Various forms of free chlorine and concentrations of NO3 were not effective in releasing and removal of endotoxin. Discussion. Since endotoxin has various adverse health effects and in the field and military conditions chlorination is the ultimate alternative for purification of water therefore, selection and application of appropriate disinfectants for effective disinfection and control of related by-products such as endotoxin and other microbial toxins is of importance.

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Journal of Military Medicine
Volume 9, Issue 4 - Serial Number 30
January and February 2008
Pages 249-256

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