Lethal effects of high-voltage pulses on E. coli K12

The lethal effects of high-voltage capacitor-discharges in suspensions of E. coli K12 with varying electrolytes have been examined. A reduction of more than 99.9% of living cells, dependent on the applied voltage could be proved. The bactericidal action is assumed to be due to direct effects of high electric fields. Electrolytically produced chlorine was shown to act as an additional toxic agent, when chloride is present in the treated medium. The relative survival rate of bacteria has been found to depend also on the concentration of cells during pulse treatment.