Semi-quantitative characterization of electroporation-assisted disinfection processes for inactivation of Giardia and Cryptosporidium

The effect of electroporation (very short duration pulses of high voltage electricity) on the viability of Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts, and on the viability of these organisms in the presence of free chlorine, combined chlorine, hydrogen peroxide and potassium permanganate, was examined. While electroporation itself had only a minor effect on survival, the combination of electrical and chemical treatment produced superior inactivation, particularly with combined chlorine, hydrogen peroxide and potassium permanganate. This enhancement may provide a relatively practical way of achieving enhanced inactivation of resistant protozoa by water disinfection processes. Further study of kinetics and optimum treatment combinations is needed.