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Information on the removal of Harmful Microorganisms with
Germicidal Disinfection via Ultraviolet Sterilization

Microorganisms

Familiarizing ourselves with the microorganisms we are targeting for disinfection will help us understand the complexities of “germicidal disinfection”. Microorganisms, like any other living creature, are totally unique unto themselves. An individual microorganism’s uniqueness is determined by its size, life cycle, and physical makeup, which explains why each requires a specific and different UV dose.

The diagram below demonstrates the complex life cycle of the warm water parasite “Cryptocaryon” (also known as “salt water white spot”).

This diagram illustrates the four stages of this lethal protozoa’s life. The “theront stage,” identifiable by the organism’s size (25-60 µm) and free-swimming characteristic, is the stage most conducive to achieving successful UV treatment. The Microorganism Chart, shown below, lists a wide variety of bacteria, protozoa, and viruses commonly found in continuous-flow aquatic life support systems.
Each microorganism listed is accompanied by its established UV dose.

Water Flow Rate Information will explain how Emperor Aquatics, Inc. uses critical microorganism and UV equipment information to accurately specify this equipment.

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, all of which require their own specific UV-C dose. A microorganism’s size plays a significant roll in the UV dose required to irradiate it. Protozoa are often many times larger than bacteria and therefore require a much higher UV dose.

Note: UV Dose is in µWs/cm²
Note: Microorganisms are listed in alphabetical order by TYPE and in ascending order by UV Dose.
Note: UV doses not accompanied by a specific log value should be considered "minimal dosage". The listed data was collected from various sources and Emperor Aquatics, Inc. does not accept any responsibility on the accuracy of this information. This information is meant to be a guideline and should be used as such.

Chlorella Vulgaris	Pseudomonas	Amyloodinium	Cryptocaryon

Other pertinent Ultraviolet Sterilizer Information:
• What is UV Sterilization: Ultraviolet Sterilization Information
• The most critical component to any UV Sterilizer is the Ultraviolet Lamp it's designed around. Follow this link to find out more information on the various Germicidal UV Lamps.
• The efficiency of the UV Sterilizer also depends on the design of the unit itself. Learn more about proper UV Sterilizer Design here.
• Quartz Sleeve Wiper Systems, are they beneficial?

If you don't see a specific microorganism's dose here or you have other questions regarding Ultraviolet Sterilization please feel free to send us an e-mail here: UV Sterilization Questions.