Lemon juice and sunlight disinfect the water

U.S. scientists were able to disinfect the water using lemon juice and sunlight with the same result is obtained by boiling, says an article in the April issue of the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

Scientists at John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health led by Prof. Kellogg Schwab plastic bottles filled with water containing the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), the MS2 bacteriophage and norovirus in mice.

Then added lemon juice, lemon suspension and synthetic psoralens. After exposing these bottles to sunlight, researchers found a substantial decrease in the concentration of E. coli and bacteriophage. The norovirus was reduced so insignificant. Citric acid, psoralens and ultraviolet radiation affecting the DNA structure of microorganisms, so that reproduction ceases. "The method of disinfecting water with sunlight and lemon juice (30 milliliters of juice per 2 liters of water) decreases the content of E.coli in 30 minutes.

The same result is achieved by boiling the water, "said Professor Schwab. Disinfection of drinking water using sunlight is widespread in poor regions. This methodology, recommended by the United Nations Fund for Children (UNICEF), substantially reduces the incidence of diarrheal diseases. The plastic bottle with one or two liters of water in the sun for at least six hours. If the sky is overcast, the period of exposure to sunlight should be extended to 48 hours.