Abstract
This study addressed the effectiveness of light emitting diodes to achieve inactivation of three different Aspergillus species (Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus terreus) in a real water matrix. Three single small ultraviolet-C diodes emitting light at two different wavelengths were tested: 255 nm that is similar to the wavelength emitted by low pressure mercury lamps and 265 nm that is closer to the maximum absorbance wavelength of DNA. The ultraviolet-C diodes emitting light at 265 nm were found to be more effective than the 255 nm, achieving 3-log, 1-log and 5-log inactivations of Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus terreus using less than 20 mJ/cm2 (13,97 mJ/cm2; 7,28 mJ/cm2; 19,74 mJ/cm2). The diodes have also affected the morphology of the fungal spores and increased the percentage of damaged and dead spores.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 115108 |
Journal | Water Research |
Volume | 168 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2020 |
Keywords
- Aspergillus species
- Disinfection
- Enzymatic activity
- Light emitting diodes
- Membrane permeability
- Spores morphology