Evaluation of different TiO2 coatings on the photocatalytic inactivation of Bacillus subtilis spores

S. M. ZACARÍAS; M. C. VACCARI; M. L. SATUF; O. M. ALFANO

Rio de Janeiro

Congreso; VI Encontro sobre Aplicações Ambientais de Processos Oxidativos Avançados; 2011

EPOA

In the last decades, indoor air contamination has become an area of great concern. Particularly, the presence of bioaerosols in indoor air can cause several health problems. A significant proportion of the microorganisms dispersed in the air are in the form of spores, which have distinctive characteristics crucial to their survival under unfavorable atmospheric conditions. The low metabolism of the spores allows them to remain viable for large periods of time. Photocatalysis is considered an attractive alternative technology for the decontamination of polluted air and water. Photocatalytic processes are based on the generation of highly oxidizing species, such as ∙OH radicals, which takes place when a semiconductor (generally TiO2) absorbs UV radiation. The applicability of photocatalysis for the inactivation of contaminating microorganisms in air has been studied in recent years [1]. In the present work, the inactivation rate of spores of Bacillus subtilis employing different TiO2 coating techniques has been evaluated.∙OH radicals, which takes place when a semiconductor (generally TiO2) absorbs UV radiation. The applicability of photocatalysis for the inactivation of contaminating microorganisms in air has been studied in recent years [1]. In the present work, the inactivation rate of spores of Bacillus subtilis employing different TiO2 coating techniques has been evaluated.