Magnetic and electromagnetic methods in reducing microbial contamination in water: A systematic review and...

Recent advancements in water disinfection methods have introduced magnetic and electromagnetic techniques as potential solutions. However, the efficacy of these methods remains inconsistent and necessitates thorough evaluation. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of magnetic and electromagnetic methods in reducing microbial contamination in water by synthesizing findings from relevant studies. A comprehensive literature search was performed across multiple electronic databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus, to identify studies published between January 2010 and March 2025. Data extracted from eligible studies were analyzed using meta-analytical techniques to determine overall effectiveness, with heterogeneity assessed through effect sizes. The results revealed mixed efficacy for magnetic and electromagnetic methods in water disinfection. While several studies reported negative effect sizes, including a notable negative effect size of -0.8 (CI: -1.2, -0.4), others demonstrated positive effects, with an effect size of 0.7 (CI: 0.2, 1.2) indicating significant improvements in disinfection efficacy. The findings demonstrated that magnetic and electromagnetic methods can be valuable tools for microbial control in water treatment. Moreover, magnetic and pulsed fields indicated potential for environmental remediation and enhancing antimicrobial efficacy. However, the observed increase in microbial populations following exposure to magnetic fields proposes the necessity for optimized conditions to prevent unintended microbial proliferation. This study emphasized the importance of integrating innovative disinfection methods into comprehensive water management strategies that aligns with One Health principles, ultimately supporting healthier ecosystems and communities.