The effect of surface charge, negative and bipolar ionization on the deposition of airborne bacteria.
J Appl Microbiol
; 106(4): 1133-9, 2009 Apr.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-19191951
ABSTRACT
AIMS:
A series of experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of surface charge and air ionization on the deposition of airborne bacteria. METHODS ANDRESULTS:
The interaction between surface electrostatic potential and the deposition of airborne bacteria in an indoor environment was investigated using settle plates charged with electric potentials of 0, +/-2.5kV and +/-5kV. Results showed that bacterial deposition on the plates increased proportionally with increased potential to over twice the gravitational sedimentation rate at +5kV. Experiments were repeated under similar conditions in the presence of either negative or bipolar air ionization. Bipolar air ionization resulted in reduction of bacterial deposition onto the charged surfaces to levels nearly equal to gravitational sedimentation. In contrast, diffusion charging appears to have occurred during negative air ionization, resulting in an even greater deposition onto the oppositely charged surface than observed without ionization.CONCLUSIONS:
Static charges on fomitic surfaces may attract bacteria resulting in deposition in excess of that expected by gravitational sedimentation or simple diffusion. Implementation of bipolar ionization may result in reduction of bacterial deposition. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY Fomitic surfaces are important vehicles for the transmission of infectious organisms. This study has demonstrated a simple strategy for minimizing charge related deposition of bacteria on surfaces.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Bactérias
/
Ionização do Ar
/
Microbiologia do Ar
/
Eletricidade Estática
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Appl Microbiol
Assunto da revista:
MICROBIOLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2009
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos