Microbial Risks in Household UF Purifiers and Disinfection Strategy with Electrolysis

Abstract

The research studied microbial deterioration in household ultrafiltration membrane (UF) purifiers with residence time and anti-bacterial strategy with electrolysis. The pilot test was conducted on a household drinking water purifier. A 72-h stagnation test and a 60-min anti-bacterial test with electrolysis were subsequently done. There were some findings in this study: (1) The level of HPC exceeded the hygienic standard when the stagnation time was more than 3 h. (2) The lag phase of bacterial growth was no more than 12 h in filters. (3) With the method of electrolysis, microbial contamination induced by water stagnation can be controlled in the acceptable range, which was more efficient than the method of flushing with tap water.