ALTERNATIVE STERILIZATION METHODS (original) (raw)

Wang, LK, Wang, MHS, Thayer, AE, and Pankivskyi, YI (2022). Alternative Sterilization Methods. In: "Environmental Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)", Wang, LK, Wang, MHS, and Pankivskyi, YI (editors). Volume 2022, Number 7, July 2022; pp.25. Lenox Institute Press, MA, USA. 2022(7), July 2022. doi.org/10.17613/h6wg-dq23 ...........ABSTRACT: Tests run on various water samples containing bacteria indicate that an alternative Microwave-Pressure Cooking method for sterilization of apparatus and materials may be used in mobile laboratories. In comparison with the "Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater" (AWWA/APHA/WEF), the proposed sterilization method and the standard sterilization method produced equivalent results. Phosphate buffer and nutrient media plates were run as controls and throughout the experimentation produced no bacterial growth. Microwaving may be used alone to sterilize glassware and some thermal proof plastics. The recommended operational conditions are: highest power setting for 25 minutes. Pressure cooker alone is feasible for sterilization of phosphate buffer, dilution water, and for preparation of bacteria-free water which in turn, can be used for preparing nutrient media. The recommended operational conditions are: highest pressure cooker's pressure setting for at least 15 minutes at 100 degree C. The combination of a microwave oven and a pressure cooker can be an ideal substitute for an expensive autoclave which is being used for sterilization in large medical and water quality control laboratories. ............KEYWORDS: Sterilization, Mobile Laboratory, Standard Sterilization Method, Alternative Sterilization Method, Pressure Cooker, Microwave, Total Coliform, Fecal Coliform, E. coli