Electrocution: Solution for the Removal of Escherichia coli from Wastewater

Abstract

Abstract - This project consists proving that there is present an alternative disinfection procedure to remove pathogen indicator bacterium in wastewater. Escherichia coli is removed from the Caguas Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant after wastewater passes the secondary clarifier and filtered. The alternative disinfection procedure is Electrocution. The basis of this project consists on the movement of electrons when applying Direct Current (DC) to the bacteria Escherichia coli, producing an alteration in the cell nucleus which results in the removal of the bacteria. A typical electrocution in a convict person depends on its density (mass per unit volume), independently if the living cell is a multi-cellular or unicellular form. Therefore, voltage, amperage, and exposition time should be different for humans and bacteria Escherichia coli. To produce an environmentally safe wastewater stream (treated effluent), the treatment method should comply with U.S. EPA removal efficiency of 99.99% (log-4) of Escherichia coli. Key Terms - Electrocution, Escherichia coli, Log-4, Wastewater.