UV LED TECHNOLOGY FOR DRINKING WATER POU APPLICATIONS AND BIOFILM DISINFECTION

Abstract

UV LEDs are a promising technology for the water sector because of their small size and low energy consumption, which makes them ideal for POU applications. UV LED POU device testing is required to verify their effectiveness in water disinfection. The objective of this research was to verify the capability of two commercial UV LED POU reactors, as well as UV LEDs in a collimated beam configuration for biofilm inhibition. The UV LED POU reactors were tested using E. coli as a target microorganism, paired with different UVT, turbidity and flow-rate levels. Results showed that UVT and flow rate had a significant impact on the reactor's efficiency. UV LEDs at 265nm were effective at inactivating biofilm-bound P. aeruginosa in coupons. Furthermore, the combination of UV LED and wiping had synergistic effects. This could indicate advantages in incorporating UV LEDs into existing biofilm mitigation strategies.