Textbook Question
What are some advantages and disadvantages of using ionizing radiation to sterilize food?
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11. Controlling Microbial Growth
Physical Methods to Control Microbial Growth
1:24 minutesProblem 8
Textbook Question
During chemical treatment of drinking water and wastewater, which of the following microbes is least likely to be inactivated or killed?
a. Algae
b. Viruses
c. Fungal spores
d. Bacteria
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the context: Chemical treatment of drinking water and wastewater aims to inactivate or kill harmful microorganisms to make the water safe for use.
Recall the general resistance of different microbes to chemical disinfectants: Viruses, bacteria, algae, and fungal spores vary in their susceptibility to chemical agents.
Consider that fungal spores are known for their tough, resistant structures that protect them from harsh environmental conditions, including chemical disinfectants.
Compare the resistance levels: Algae and bacteria are generally more susceptible to chemical treatments, while viruses can be quite resistant but usually less so than fungal spores.
Conclude that among the options, fungal spores are least likely to be inactivated or killed during chemical treatment due to their resistant nature.
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Video duration:
1mKey Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Microbial Resistance to Chemical Disinfectants
Different microbes exhibit varying levels of resistance to chemical disinfectants used in water treatment. Factors such as cell structure, protective coatings, and metabolic state influence their susceptibility. Understanding which microbes are more resistant helps in selecting effective treatment methods.
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Types of Disinfectants
Characteristics of Fungal Spores
Fungal spores are reproductive units with thick walls that protect them from harsh environmental conditions, including chemical disinfectants. Their resilience makes them harder to inactivate compared to many bacteria and viruses, often requiring stronger or prolonged treatment.
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Differences Between Microbial Groups (Algae, Viruses, Bacteria)
Algae are photosynthetic eukaryotes with cell walls, viruses are acellular particles requiring host cells, and bacteria are single-celled prokaryotes. These structural and biological differences affect their vulnerability to chemical treatments, with viruses often being more susceptible than spores or some algae.
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05:58Situations Warranting Different Levels of Microbial Growth Control
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