Application of accelerated electron beam and microwave irradiation to biological waste treatment

The comparative results obtained by applying separate electron beam (EB) irradiation, separate microwave (MW) heating and combined (successive and simultaneous) electron beam irradiation and microwave heating to reduction of viable cells of Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus intermedius, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Trichinella spiralis are presented. The results of studies concerning the disinfection by separate and combined EB and MW irradiation of sewage sludge performed from a food industry wastewater treatment station (vegetable oil plant) are also presented. The research results demonstrated that the simultaneous EB and MW irradiation produces the biggest reduction of microorganisms. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.