Effect of corona discharge on decontamination of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E-coli

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most important pathogens commonly seen in immuno-compromised patients. A low cost corona discharge system that works at atmospheric pressure and operates with AC high voltage power supply has been applied to Pseudomonas and Escherichia coli (E-Coli) bacteria plates. The tests were aimed to determine the sterilization efficiency of corona discharges. Optimal killing parameters such as time, applying magnetic field and added hydrogen peroxide were tested for bacteria samples. The results obtained were encouraging and 100% decontamination was observed within the first 15 min of corona exposure. The decontamination efficiency was however raised significantly both through introduction of hydrogen peroxide during corona treatment and applying a magnetic field.