Standardization of Methods for Fluence (UV Dose) Determination in Bench-Scale UV Experiments

TLDR

UV disinfection is widely used for inactivating waterborne pathogens, yet prior studies lack standardized methods for describing irradiation procedures and determining the average fluence delivered to microorganisms. The study presents a detailed protocol for measuring fluence in bench‑scale UV systems using monochromatic or broadband lamps. The protocol specifies bench‑scale apparatus design, procedures for measuring average water irradiance, UV radiometry techniques, and guidelines for microbiological testing. Adopting this protocol should standardize bench‑scale UV testing and enhance confidence in resulting data.

Abstract

Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection is now an accepted technology for inactivation of a variety of waterborne pathogens in wastewater and drinking water. However, the techniques used in much of the previous research aimed at providing information on UV effectiveness have not yet been standardized. Thus in many peer reviewed published literature, it is not clear how the UV irradiations were carried out, nor how the average fluence (or UV dose) given to the microorganisms has been determined. A detailed protocol for the determination of the fluence (UV dose) in a bench scale UV apparatus containing UV lamps emitting either monochromatic or broadband UV light was developed. This protocol includes specifications for the construction of a bench scale UV testing apparatus, methods for determination of the average irradiance in the water, details on UV radiometry, and considerations for microbiological testing. Use of this protocol will aid in standardization of bench scale UV testing and provide increased confidence in data generated during such testing.