cuupa_1
cuupa_1 t1_j67ziy7 wrote
Reply to ELI5: why can't we use electricity to kill microorganisms in small amount of water ? by FreshT3ch
You can to a certain degree, but only with direct current.
Alternating current will not Work on molecular Level but very Well for organisms with a heart like mentioned in the comments. It will mess up with nerves and muscles.
Direct current on the other Hand will start electrolysis, meaning the water (H2O) will split into hydrogen and oxygen. While this process can cause cell mebranes of for example bacterias to burst, it will also lead to building Up flamable Gas (hydrogen) and loss of water (since its Split into those molecules). Its also very inefficient.
This process is used in the Aquarium Hobby to reduce algae. (Chihiros sterilizer)
cuupa_1 t1_j6cgd8e wrote
Reply to comment by Chromotron in ELI5: why can't we use electricity to kill microorganisms in small amount of water ? by FreshT3ch
I was unaware of that. Thanks for the correction!