Advanced Oxidation Process Applied to Actinobacterium Disinfection
Actinobacteria, such as Mycobacterium, that constitute one of the main phyla within the bacteria and some genus of this phylum are reported to be a pathogen of or associ ated with nosocomial infections and pseudoinfections promoting health risks for im munocompromised people, particularly AIDS patients. They are also related to lower quality of surface water due to their odor production (Actinomycineae and Streptomyce taceae) These bacteria have been isolated from hospital water distribution systems, municipal drinking water, freshwater, and among other environmental samples. Their biofilm formation, amoeba associated lifestyle, and resistance to chlorine/ozone have been recognized as important factors that contribute to persistence of these bac teria in water distribution systems. Research for new disinfection methods that are able to promote complete inactivation of these bacteria has currently increased. Among them is the use of advanced oxidation process that has demonstrated promis ing results; the production of OH radicals with high oxidizing power are capable to kill bacteria and can also destroy the products generated from lyse cell. The goal of the present work is to review the main processes based on advanced oxidation proc ess that are able to promote actinobacterium disinfection. The fundaments of this process are also reviewed. Special emphasis was done for the photocatalysis and pho toelectrocatalysis methods and the phenomena occurring at the electrode/electrolyte interface.