Effect of iron on the survival of Vibrio cholerae in water

Effect of iron in the form of ferric oxide (Fe2O3) on the survival of V. cholerae O1 was studied. V. cholerae O1 survived for 8 days in plain water whereas in presence of Fe2O3 it survived up to 15 days. Presence of organic material in the water further promoted the bacterial survival by at least 4 days. There was no difference between the behaviour of El Tor and classical biotype. These results indicate that the presence of iron in water could promote the survival of V. cholerae O1 in water and may play a significant role in the epidemiology of cholera.