Effect of microgravity on Escherichia coli and MS-2 bacteriophage disinfection by iodinated resins

George L. Marchin, Joann Silverstein, Gail M. Brion

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Experiments on chemical disinfection by iodinated resins were conducted on STS 50 (USML-1), which flew a 13 day mission during 1992. Fluid processing apparatus containing microorganisms and iodinated resins was assembled in either Manhattan, Kansas, or Boulder, Colorado, and loaded on-board the Space Shuttle for the mission. Pentaiodide resin was more effective than the triiodide resin against Escherichia coli. Both resins were more effective bactericides at unit gravity than microgravity because of cosedimentation of bacteria and iodinated resin beads. In bacteriophage experiments, the triiodide resin reduced the viable titer of MS-2 by nine logs. The few viable phage surviving chemical disinfection were associated with precipitant formation in the fluid processing apparatus.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)65-68
Number of pages4
JournalActa Astronautica
Volume40
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1997

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aerospace Engineering

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