Influence of the conductivity of the discharge liquid on the microbicidal effect of transient electric arcs in aqueous systems.

The microbicidal effect of electrical discharges on microorganisms suspended in the discharge liquid was reduced when the liquid contained high concentrations of inorganic salts (conductivity k >/= 5 mmho/cm). A higher discharge voltage and a smaller distance between the submerged electrodes counteracted this reduction. The decrease in the microbicidal effect was accompanied by a change in the electrical current and by a decreased yield of microbicidal photons from the electric discharge.