Clustering, morphology, and treatment resistance of Bacillus globigii spores recovered from a pilot-scale activated sludge system.

ABSTRACT: This study examines the organization and morphology of Bacillus globigii (BG) spores, a common surrogate for Bacillus anthracis, which were seeded and then recovered at various times from several points within a conventional, pilot-scale activated sludge system. Recovered BG spores were enumerated, microscopically examined, and tested for resistance to chemical (i.e. 5% H₂O₂ for 8 min), thermal (80 °C for 30 min), and ultraviolet light (8 W, 254 nm UV for 1 min) inactivation. Spores exposed to activated sludge germinated, sporulated, and exhibited unique multilayer clustering patterns and statistically significant changes (p < 0.005) in dimensional morphology. Spores collected in the later experimental stages (i.e., during weeks 6 and 7) were significantly more resist

SUBMITTER: Xing Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7816126 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature