Common Pond Microorganism UV Dosages

Target Microorganism

The size, biological make up and life cycle of a microorganism all play a critical part in successful germicidal disinfection. By way of comparison, there are approximately 65,000 known protozoa and only 4,500 bacteria of which all require their own specific UV-C dose. A microorganism's size plays a significant roll in the UV dose required to irradiate it. Protozoa is often many times larger than bacteria and therefore requires a much higher UV dose. The speed (flow rate) at which the waterborne microorganism travels through the UV housing (across the UV lamp field) establishes the UV dose (µWs/cm²) received.

(see charts 1 & 2 below)

click either chart to enlarge

Microorganism Life Cycle

Life Cycle is another critical factor that requires consideration when applying UV Sterilization. The marine parasite Cryptocaryon (salt water white spot) is an excellent example of how complex a microorganim's life cycle can be. Cryptocaryon has a four part life cycle. A warm water parasite, cryptocaryon can be lethal to many species of marine fish. Diagram A is very descriptive, showing the many characteristics of this microorganism. The aquaculture community has waged battles against cryptocaryon and have lost, specifically at the encysted (Tomont) stage, simply due to its evasiveness by attaching itself to its substrate. Disease outbreaks still occur even with filtering the water column using extremely fast flow rates.

Prerequisites of achieving successful UV disinfection

Identify the "Target Microorganism", consider its physical and life cycle characteristics
Determine its Required UV Dose
Determine the condition of the water to be treated
(water temperature & UV Transmissibility).
Contact your UV Manufacturer, ask questions regarding their UV Equipment's capacity compared to your specific needs
Select the UV Sterilizer model that best suits your application requirements

THINK GREEN

Lamp Recycling
Emperor Aquatics, Inc. recognizes that we all have a responsibility as global citizens, to minimize our strain on the environment. The steps we take today to preserve our planet will have major repercussions on the health and well-being of our children.

Hg UV Lamps contain mercury, and should not be placed in the trash. Please recycle your old lamps or properly dispose of them as hazardous waste. Visit www.lamprecycle.org or call 1-866-457-6697 for more information.

All Brand Names, Product Names or Trademarks listed, Including The SMART UV Detective and Emperor Aquatics, Inc.
belongs to their respective Holdings and are protected.

Back to the main UV Sterilizer page.