Modeling and performance assessment of innovative hybrid electro-disinfection processes for Escherichia coli inactivation in water

Abstract

Pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) represent a major public health concern when transmitted through contaminated water, making their effective elimination a global priority. This study investigates a hybrid electro-disinfection system for E. coli inactivation that combines electrocoagulation (EC) and electrooxidation (EO) in a single reactor. Microbial inactivation kinetics were evaluated under varying hybrid electrode configurations (Al/SS/TiPbO₂ and Al/SS/TiIrO₂) and current densities (0.625, 1.25 and 1.875 mA/cm²). Inactivation behavior was described using a variety of kinetic models. Data were analyzed using GInaFiT (Geeraerd and Van Impe Inactivation Fitting Tool), and the model performance was assessed through statistical indicators (R², AICc, BIC) alongside biological interpretability. Residual Al (Aluminium) and Pb (Lead) concentrations remained below WHO (World Health Organization), EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), and EU (European Union) limits, ensuring water safety. Strong correlations between OD₆₀₀ and microbial reduction validated optical density as a rapid monitoring tool. Integration of solar panels further enhanced energy efficiency. Overall, it was determined that the hybrid EC–EO system is a quick, efficient, and environmentally friendly disinfection method for the well-suited for off-grid and decentralized applications.