earticle

영어

Ultraviolet-C light produces ultraviolet energy that can destroy wide range of microorganisms, without the use of chemicals. Here, we investigated the anti-bacterial effects of portable UV-C light on river water samples. Water samples were obtained from a river in Wonju City, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea. The water samples were then transferred in a water bottle to be tested in the laboratory. The UV-C lamp tube was submerged in a water bottle, where it was then exposed to different doses of UV-C light: 0 sec, 20 sec, 40 sec, 1 min, 2 min, and 3 min. Microbial tests were done by spread plating using Blood Plate Agar (BPA) and pour plating using Nutrient Agar (NA). Our results showed a high antibacterial effect against bacteria in river water cultured in BPA and NA. The percent reductions of bacteria in BPA were 99.75% in 20 seconds while 100.00% in 40 sec, 1 min, 2 min, and 3 min. On the other hand, the percent bacterial reduction in NA were 85.71%, 83.71%, 90.48%, 99.75%, and 100.0% in 20 sec, 40 sec, 1 min, 2 min, and 3 min. This study confirmed the antibacterial efficacy of UV-C light by the percent bacterial reduction cultured in BPA was totally cleared in 40 seconds while NA was cleared in 3 min. This study could be applied in as water disinfectant in developing countries where access to safe drinking water is inadequate.