MS2 inactivation by chloride-assisted electrochemical disinfection

An electrochemical (EC) disinfection system employing an iridium-antimony-tin-coated titanium anode and direct current was used to inactivate bacteriophage MS2 in synthetic solutions with sodium chloride addition. The inactivation data fit the modified Chick-Watson (n≠1) model well. The model indicates that, although better disinfection could be achieved with increases in salt content, contact time, and applied current, these three parameters influence the EC disinfection of MS2 in distinct manners and to different degrees. Compared with chlorination, our EC disinfection system exhibited superior inactivation capability especially with a longer contact time or in the presence of ammonium. The formation of trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids in the EC system was smaller than that from chlorination but a large formation of chlorate ions was observed. These differences indicate that the EC system is likely to produce other potent oxidants that enhance inactivation and alter disinfection by-product formation.