Which UV wavelength is the most effective for chlorine-resistant bacteria in terms of the impact of activity, cell membrane and DNA?

Abstract

The widespread use of chlorine disinfectants in drinking water has accelerated the selection of chlorine-resistant bacteria (CRB). The presence of CRB in drinking water (during treatment, distribution, and consumption) has a profound impact on public safety. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is an effective control technology for CRB. Nevertheless, the relative efficacies of different UV light wavelengths (traditional mercury lamps, ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV-LED 265 nm and 285 nm), and 222 nm krypton-chlorine excilamps) in the control and inactivation of various CRB have not been investigated. In this study, the impacts of different UV light sources on the inactivation rate and microbial cell structure of CRB were evaluated. The results showed that the order of inactivation efficacy was as follows: UV-LED 265 nm > low-pressure ultraviolet (LPUV) ≈ medium-pressure ultraviolet (MPUV) ≈ 222 nm > UV-LED 285 nm. CRB was inactivated via DNA damage and additional ATP decline under UV-LED 265 nm, UV-LED 285 nm and LPUV irradiation, of which UV-LED 265 nm was the most effective based on fluence and inactivation rate constants. The inactivation mechanisms revealed that the 222 nm wavelength was significantly different from other wavelengths; it stimulated the production of a large number of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which resulted in bacterial cell membrane damage, ATP direct decline, and a small number of DNA lesions. Multispectral MPUV induced both of the foregoing mechanisms but mainly damaged DNA. The present study provides empirical evidence for the reasonable application of UV disinfection technology in the treatment of water and wastewater and their conduits and delivery systems.