Inactivation of Escherichia coli by alternative electric current in rivers discharged into sea

Inactivation effect of alternative electric current on Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and fecal E. coli MAAG 1405 found resistant to antibiotics was examined in water samples collected from Ayamama River, Sarısu River, and their discharge points into sea and from Black Sea and Marmara Sea. In addition to water samples, lauryl sulfate broth was used as an organic rich medium. Both test strains were inactivated within 1–3 min in media containing marine waters (1 A), 5–10 min in Ayamama River water (1 A), 5 min in Sarısu River water (0.5 A), 20–35 min in lauryl sulfate broth (1 A) by applying alternative electric current.