Bacterial deactivation by cell-wall rupturing is widely described. Complete mineralization of both aqueous gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae, leaving no organic species, is described here for the first time. Solar-simulated radiation (with similar to 5% UV), with ZnO nanoparticle photocatalyst, is used. In addition to complete bacterial deactivation (similar to 100%), their mineralization is achievable with time. Both bacteria, with thick and thin peptidoglycan layers, are mineralized. In thicker walled S. aureus, similar to 72% mineralization is achievable, while in thinner walled K. pneumoniae, mineralization is similar to 85%. Anthocyanin-sensitized ZnO shows higher catalytic efficiency under purely visible light, while pristine ZnO particles are more effective under simulated solar radiation. The results show the feasibility of using direct solar radiation in photocatalytic water disinfection without the need to use other more costly and hazardous methods. The study is especially useful to many societies having limited access to safe drinking water.

Title

JOM: the journal of the Minerals, Metals & Materials Society

Publisher

Springer

Publisher Country

United States of America

Indexing

Scopus

Impact Factor

2.3

Publication Type

Both (Printed and Online)

Volume

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Year

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Pages

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