ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the effects on the inactivation of E. coli under various light conditions and in the presence of different concentrations of suspended solids in an open reactor using an artificial light source with a spectrum similar to solar light. The inactivation of faecal indicator bacteria E. coli was studied in an open stirred reactor, under controlled exposure to simulated sunlight, mimicking the effect of different latitudes and seasons, and different concentrations of total suspended solids (TSS) corresponding to different levels of dilution and runoff. The chapter suggests that given the sunlight conditions during an urban flood, and the concentration of indicator organisms and TSS, allowing rapid implementation of appropriate measures to mitigate public health risks. Light attenuation due to different concentrations of suspended solids was addressed by measuring the vertical distribution of light in air and water with different concentrations of solids.
