International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD)

Volume 4 Issue 4, June 2020 Available Online: www.ijtsrd.com e-ISSN: 2456 – 6470

Research on Effect of UV-C Light on Bacteria & Viruses

Manish Ranjan, Sumit Kumar Singh
Student, Electronics and Communication Engineering,
GL Bajaj Group of Institutions, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT How to cite this paper: Manish Ranjan |

In this time, many diseases spread from Bacteria and Viruses. The real Sumit Kumar Singh "Research on Effect of
example of Virus disease is covid-19. Bacteria and Viruses are very small UV-C Light on Bacteria & Viruses"
things that can only see with special equipment (a microscope). Bacteria are Published in
microscopic living organisms, usually one-celled, that can be found International Journal
everywhere. A virus is a submicroscopic infectious agent that replicates only of Trend in Scientific
inside the living cells of an organisms. Viruses are the most common biological Research and
entities on earth. Once a person is infected with virus, their body become a Development
reservoir of virus particles which can be released in bodily fluids such as by (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-
coughing and sneezing or by shedding skin or in some cases even touching 6470, Volume-4 | IJTSRD31251
surfaces, contact with contaminated food and water. Many diseases like Issue-4, June 2020,
Influenza, Chickenpox, Typhoid are spread from Bacteria and viruses. So, in pp.899-903, URL:
this paper we discuss how to control the infection of Bacteria and viruses www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd31251.pdf
using UV-C (Ultraviolet-C) and also discuss the Effect of UV-C Light on Bacteria
& disease. Copyright © 2020 by author(s) and
International Journal of Trend in Scientific
KEYWORDS: Ultraviolet, UV-C light, Effect of UV-C light, Benefits, Germicidal UV- Research and Development Journal. This
C, Applications of Germicidal UV-C is an Open Access article distributed
under the terms of
the Creative
Commons Attribution
License (CC BY 4.0)
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by
/4.0)
1. INTRODUCTION
UVC radiation is known to be highly germicidal. However,
exposure to 254-nm-UVC light causes DNA lesions such
as cyclobutene pyrimidine dimers (CPD) in human cells, and
can induce skin cancer after long-term repeated exposures.
It has been reported that short wavelength UVC is absorbed Fig1. Visible Light region
by proteins in the membrane and cytosol, and fails to reach
the nucleus of human cells. Hence, irradiation with 222-nm UV (Ultraviolet) Light refers to the region of the
UVC might be an optimum combination of electromagnetic spectrum between visible light and X-rays,
effective disinfection and biological safety to human cells. In with a wavelength falling between 400 and 10 nanometers.
this study, the biological effectiveness of 222-nm UVC was This electromagnetic radiation is not visible to the human
investigated using a mouse model of a skin wound infected eye, because it has a shorter wavelength and higher
with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). frequency than the light our brain perceives as images. An
Irradiation with 222-nm UVC significantly reduced bacterial easy way to remember UV light's placement on the
numbers on the skin surface compared with non-irradiated electromagnetic spectrum is to examine the ends of the
skin. Bacterial counts in wounds evaluated on days 3, 5, 8 visible light spectrum: Red is the light with the longest
and 12 after irradiation demonstrated that the bactericidal wavelength, and Violet is the light with the shortest
effect of 222-nm UVC was equal to or more effective than wavelength. Therefore, light with a wavelength longer than
254-nm UVC. [1] any light in the visible spectrum is called Infrared Light, and
light with a wavelength immediately shorter than any light
2. Ultraviolet Light in the visible spectrum is called Ultraviolet Light. [2]
Ultraviolet is the part of the electromagnetic
spectrum shown on the left side of the picture below as 2.1. Types of Ultraviolet Light
black—because humans cannot see light of such UV light has three wavelength categories:
short wavelength (or high frequency). Many animals such as • UV-A Light
some insects, some reptiles, crocodiles, salamanders, and • UV-B Light
small birds can see things that reflect this light. UV is a
• UV-C Light
common abbreviation of ultraviolet, mainly used in
technical contexts. [2]

@ IJTSRD | Unique Paper ID – IJTSRD31251 | Volume – 4 | Issue – 4 | May-June 2020 Page 899
 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470

Reliable disinfection Disinfection effects is directly
related to UV dose (intensity and exposure time of
micro-organisms). It’s simple to measure effectiveness
once system design is validated.

Easy and cost-effective UV-C installation have low
capital and operation costs and are easy to operate and
maintain.
Fig2. Division of UV Light
4. Effect of UV-C Light
2.1.1. UV-A Light Continuous low doses of far-ultraviolet C (far-UVC) light can
UV-A light (320-400nm) is UV light with the longest kill airborne flu viruses without harming human tissues,
wavelength, and the least harmful. It is more commonly according to a new study at the Centre for Radiological
known as "black light", and many use its ability to cause Research at Columbia University Irving Medical Centre (New
objects to emit fluorescence (a coloured glowing effect) in York, NY).1 The findings suggest that use of overhead far-
artistic and celebratory designs. Many insects and birds can UVC light in hospitals, doctors’ offices, schools, airports,
perceive this type of UV radiation visually, along with some airplanes, and other public spaces could provide a powerful
humans in rare cases such as Aphakia (missing optic lens). check on seasonal influenza epidemics, as well as influenza
[2] pandemics.

2.1.2. UV-B Light Scientists have known for decades that broad-spectrum UVC
UV-B light (290-320nm) causes sunburns with prolonged light, which has a wavelength between 200 and 400 nm, is
exposure along with increasing the risk of skin cancer and highly effective at killing bacteria and viruses by destroying
other cellular damage. About 95% of all UV-B light is the molecular bonds that hold their DNA together. This
absorbed by the ozone in Earth's atmosphere. [2] conventional UV light is routinely used to decontaminate
surgical equipment. “Unfortunately, conventional germicidal
2.1.3. UV-C Light UV light is also a human health hazard and can lead to skin
UV-C light (100-290nm) is extremely harmful and is almost cancer and cataracts, which prevents its use in public
completely absorbed by Earth's atmosphere. It is commonly spaces,” says study leader David Brenner. [3]
used as a disinfectant in food, air, and water to kill
microorganisms by destroying their cells' nucleic acids. With Several years ago, Brenner and his colleagues hypothesized
UV-C technology it is possible to destroy more than 99.99% that far-UVC could kill microbes without damaging healthy
of all pathogens within seconds, without addition of tissue. “Far-UVC light has a very limited range and cannot
chemicals, without harmful side effects, inexpensively, highly penetrate through the outer dead-cell layer of human skin or
efficiently and absolutely reliably. [2] the tear layer in the eye, so it’s not a human health hazard.
But because viruses and bacteria are much smaller than
human cells, far-UVC light can reach their DNA and kill
them,” Brenner said. [3]

4.1. UV-C Effect on Screen

Acute (short-term) effects include redness or ulceration of
the skin. At high levels of exposure, these burns can be
serious. For chronic (long-term) exposures, there is also a
cumulative risk, which depends on the amount of exposure
during your lifetime. The long-term risk for large cumulative
exposure includes premature aging of the skin and skin
cancer. [4]

5. Application of Germicidal UVC Light

Fig3 (a). Absorption of UV Light through Ozone layer 5.1. water Application
UV water purification offers a secure, effective and cost-
efficient alternative to chemical treatment. With no
harmful by-products, the worldwide use of germicidal
UVC technology is critical for eco-systems and reducing
pollutants in rivers, oceans and other bodies of water. UV
water purification applications still grow within
the industries of water reclamation, ship ballast water,
waste water, beverage, industrial and commercial
Fig3 (b). Absorption of UV Light through our body process water, pool and spa, aquaculture and life
sciences. [5]
3. Benefits of UV-C technology

Defeat micro-organisms Proven effective against 5.2. Air Application
viruses, bacteria, melds and spores. Maintaining clean, fresh air is essential to life, and many

Protect against microorganism growth - Keeps the industrial processes cause pollutants, contaminants, and
surface of water reservoir clean from biofilm. Keeps air nuisance odors in the atmosphere and in the immediate
treatment systems clean. environment. Our proprietary germicidal UVC technology

@ IJTSRD | Unique Paper ID – IJTSRD31251 | Volume – 4 | Issue – 4 | May-June 2020 Page 900
 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
offers OEMs affordable and effective solutions for both air proprietary low-pressure pellet amalgam lamp technology
sterilization and odor control. [6] produces the only lamp that allows for vertical orientation.

5.2.1. Air Sterilization 5.3.3. Medium Pressure UV Curing

UV technology provides air sterilization from transmissible Medium pressure UV technology is used in many curing
agents, fungi, bacteria, viruses, and spores. A UV germicidal applications, including adhesive bonds, coatings, engraving
lamp integrated in a hospital air conditioning system will and plating resist, inks, varnishes, lacquers and decorative
sterilize pathogens that cause illness and contaminants that glazes. Curing with UV saves on maintenance costs and
aggravate asthma and other respiratory ailments. In general, produces no hazardous by-products. More manufacturers
air conditioners are breeding grounds for harmful organisms are converting to UV curing systems. [6]
that cannot be treated with filters alone, risking health in
locations such as burn centres, and methadone and TB 6. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation technology
clinics. [7] Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is a disinfection
method that uses short-wavelength ultraviolet (ultraviolet C
In industries that require a sterile and clean environment, or UV-C) light to kill or inactivate microorganisms by
UVC is utilized to reduce the number of ‘live’ organisms in destroying nucleic acids and disrupting their DNA, leaving
the air, such as in scientific laboratories. Here it may also them unable to perform vital cellular functions.[8] UVGI is
sterilize equipment and surfaces when employees are not in used in a variety of applications, such as food, air, and water
the room. Printing, plastics and rubber, or wood and surface purification.
treatment industries produce harmful and toxic
chemicals and sterilization of air offers many benefits. UV-C light is weak at the Earth's surface since the ozone
Germicidal lamps in sterilization units are used to protect layer of the atmosphere blocks it.[9] UVGI devices can
the health of workers by reducing or eliminating VOCs and produce strong enough UV-C light in circulating air or water
industrial exhausts containing solvents. [6] systems to make them inhospitable environments to
microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, molds, and
5.2.2. Odor Control other pathogens. UVGI can be coupled with a filtration
There are many areas of application for germicidal UVC odor system to sanitize air and water.
control, including wastewater plants, farms, commercial
kitchens (HVAC), kennels, food processing plants, or in any 6.1. Germicidal Lamp
circumstance where odor is a by-product of operations. Germicidal UV for disinfection is most typically generated by
For many industries, odor control can help to reduce the a mercury-vapor lamp. Low-pressure mercury vapor has a
extra time and money spent on nuisance complaints. At strong emission line at 254 nm, which is within the range of
wastewater plants, for example, hydrogen sulphide-based wavelengths that demonstrate strong disinfection effect. The
odors are a concern for operator safety and an annoyance to optimal wavelengths for disinfection are close to
nearby residences or public facilities. [6] 270 nm.[10]:2–6

5.3. Surface Application Mercury vapor lamps may be categorized as either low-
Germicidal UVC lamps offer surface sterilization without pressure (including amalgam) or medium-pressure lamps.
chemicals, which is critical in many industries. In food Low-pressure UV lamps offer high efficiencies (approx. 35%
processing, for example, UVC can kill viruses, bacteria, yeast, UV-C) but lower power, typically 1 W/cm power density
and fungi in seconds, eliminating the need to use harmful (power per unit of arc length). Amalgam UV lamps utilize an
chemicals on surfaces that come in contact with food. amalgam to control mercury pressure to allow operation at a
UVC technology is indispensable in locations where human somewhat higher temperature and power density. They
health is contingent on a sterile environment, such as operate at higher temperatures and have a lifetime of up to
hospitals and surgical centres. During prolonged surgical 16,000 hours. Their efficiency is slightly lower than that of
procedures, for example, UVC is used to minimize infection. traditional low-pressure lamps (approx. 33% UV-C output),
and power density is approximately 2–3 W/cm. Medium-
5.3.1. Food Processing pressure UV lamps operate at much higher temperatures, up
Surface sterilization using UV technology improves the shelf to about 800 degrees Celsius, and have a polychromatic
life of food stuffs, including breads and meats. In addition, UV output spectrum and a high radiation output but lower UV-C
hormesis can reduce post-harvest losses due to the delayed efficiency of 10% or less. Typical power density is
ripening of fruits and vegetables. With 550 million dollars of 30 W/cm3 or greater.
fresh fruits and vegetables exported from the US year to
date, UV hormesis offers great potential. Depending on the quartz glass used for the lamp body, low-
pressure and amalgam UV emit radiation at 254 nm and also
UV germicidal is increasingly being used for the surface at 185 nm, which has chemical effects. UV radiation at
sterilization of filling equipment, conveyor belts, transport 185 nm is used to generate ozone.
containers, working surfaces of foodstuffs, counter tops, and
on liquid-sugar tanks to kill mold and bacteria. [7]

5.3.2. Low Pressure UV Curing

Low pressure UV technology can cure inks, resins, and
adhesives with no hazardous waste and fewer maintenance
costs. Currently, there is a growing trend in many industries
to change from heat-cured inks to UV-cured inks. Our

@ IJTSRD | Unique Paper ID – IJTSRD31251 | Volume – 4 | Issue – 4 | May-June 2020 Page 901
 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
tolerance for short-term operation. A UV-C LED can achieve a
longer installed time than a traditional germicidal lamp in
intermittent use. Likewise, LED degradation increases with
heat, while filament and HID lamp output wavelength is
dependent on temperature, so engineers can design LEDs of
a particular size and cost to have a higher output and faster
degradation or a lower output and slower decline over time.

Fig4 (a). Low pressure and Medium pressure UV Lamp

The UV lamps for water treatment consist of specialized low-

pressure mercury-vapor lamps that produce ultraviolet
radiation at 254 nm, or medium-pressure UV lamps that Fig5(b). UV-C LED
produce a polychromatic output from 200 nm to visible and
infrared energy. The UV lamp never contacts the water; it is 7. Conclusions
either housed in a quartz glass sleeve inside the water The UVC treatment of sterile, commercial whole milk
chamber or mounted externally to the water, which flows inoculated with bacteria caused a significant reduction for all
through the transparent UV tube. Water passing through the bacterial species tested except M. smegmatis. The UVC
flow chamber is exposed to UV rays, which are absorbed by treatment of colostrum samples inoculated with bacterial
suspended solids, such as microorganisms and dirt, in the contaminants resulted in a significant reduction in the
stream.[11] bacterial count at T3 for Listeria spp., Salmonella spp.,
and Acinetobacter spp., but not of E. coli, Strep. agalactiae,
and Staph. aureus. Moreover, UVC treatment of colostrum
lowered the concentration of IgG in colostrum in relation to
the length of treatment duration. Processes that aim to
reduce the bacterial count in colostrum must take into
consideration the incidental effects on colostrum IgG. [14]
Fig4(b). Germicidal Lamp
This study demonstrates that far-UVC light emitted from a
laser and delivered using an optical diffuser is an effective
6.2. LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes)
tool to kill MRSA in vitro. The dose required to kill bacteria
Recent developments in LED technology have led to
on a surface with far-UVC is slightly higher than with
commercially available UV-C LEDs. UV-C LEDs use
conventional UVC at 254 nm; however, given the lack of
semiconductors to emit light between 255 nm and
harmful biological effects with far-UVC, it is an attractive
280 nm.[12] The wavelength emission is tuneable by adjusting
option for disinfection within wounds. The ability to diffuse
the material of the semiconductor. As of 2019, the electrical-
the laser output over a large area makes this a viable
to-UV-C conversion efficiency of LEDs was lower than that of
solution for disinfection of infection prone tissues, such as
mercury lamps. The reduced size of LEDs opens up options
around a catheter or other skin penetrating medical device.
for small reactor systems allowing for point-of-use [15] We have demonstrated that the Pulsed-UVC device,
applications and integration into medical devices.[13] Low
associated with SOP, significantly reduced microorganisms
power consumption of semiconductors introduce UV
from common high-touch surfaces.
disinfection systems that utilized small solar cells in remote
or Third World applications.[13]
8. References
[1] Kouji Narita, Krisana Asano, Yukihiro Morimoto,
Tatsushi Igarashi, Michael R. Hamblin, Tianhong Dai,
Akio Nakane Corrigendum to “Disinfection and healing
effects of 222-nm UVC light on methicillin-
resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in mouse
wounds” [J. Photochem. Photobiol. B Biol. 178 (January
2018) 10–18] Journal of Photochemistry and
Photobiology B: Biology, Volume 182, May 2018, Pages
146.
[2] Stanford Solar center- http://solar-
center.stanford.edu/about/uvlight.html.
[3] Far-UVC light: A new tool to control the spread of
airborne-mediated microbial diseases.” The other
Fig5 (a). UVC Led Emitting 265nm compared to contributors are David Welch, Manuela Buonanno,
Germicidal Effectiveness Graph Veljko Grilj, Igor Shuryak, Connor Crickmore, Alan
Bigelow, Gerhard Randers-Pehrson, and Gary Johnson
UV-C LEDs don't necessarily last longer than traditional (all at CUIMC).The study was supported by grants from
germicidal lamps in terms of hours used, instead having the Shostack Foundation and the National Institutes of
more-variable engineering characteristics and better Health (1R41AI125006-01).

@ IJTSRD | Unique Paper ID – IJTSRD31251 | Volume – 4 | Issue – 4 | May-June 2020 Page 902
 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
[4] Kalran University article of Dr. Kevin kahn (Market [11] Wolfe, R. L. (1990). "Ultraviolet disinfection of potable
development Manager, EMEA): water". Environmental Science & Technology. 24 (6):
https://www.klaran.com/is-uvc-safe. 768–773. Bibcode: 1990EnST...24...768W. Doi:
10.1021/es00076a001.
[5] Harm, W., 1980, Biological Effects of Ultraviolet
Radiation, International Union of Pure and Applied [12] Messina, Gabriele (October 2015). "A new UV-LED
Biophysics, Biophysics series, Cambridge University device for automatic disinfection of stethoscope
Press.[page needed] membranes". American Journal of Infection Control.
Elsevier. Retrieved 2016-08-15.
[6] LightTech Light source blog Article https://www.light-
sources.com/solutions/germicidal-uvc-lamps/uv-light- [13] Hessling, Martin; Gross, Andrej; Hoenes, Katharina;
applications/ Rath, Monika; Stangl, Felix; Tritschler, Hanna; Sift,
Michael (2016-01-27). "Efficient Disinfection of Tap and
[7] hang, Kenneth (2020-05-07). "Scientists Consider
Surface Water with Single High Power 285 nm LED and
Indoor Ultraviolet Light to Zap Coronavirus in the
Square Quartz Tube". Photonics. 3 (1):
Air". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331.
7. doi:10.3390/photonics3010007.
Retrieved 2020-05-11.
[14] “Evaluation of the effects of ultraviolet light on
[8] "Word of the Month: Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation
bacterial contaminants inoculated into whole milk and
(UVGI)"(PDF). NIOSH eNews. National Institute for
colostrum, and on colostrum immunoglobulin G” R. V.
Occupational Safety and Health. April 2008. Retrieved 4
Pereira, M. L. Bicalho, V. S. Machado, S. Lima, A. G.
May 2015.
Teixeira, L. D. Warnick, and R. C. Bicalho. 26feb 2014.
[9] "SOLVE II Science Implementation". NASA. 2003.
[15] Research article Manuela Buonanno, Igor Shuryak,
Archived from the original on February 16, 2013.
Gerhard randers-pehrson, David j brenner, Henry M.
Retrieved 4 May 2015.
Spotnitz. “Effect of far ultraviolet light emited from an
[10] "Ultraviolet disinfection guidance manual for the final optical Diffuser on Methicillin-resistance staphylococcus
long term 2 enhanced surface water treatment aureus in vitro” 10 August 2018.
rule" (PDF). Washington, DC: United States
Environmental Protection Agency. November 2006.
Retrieved 30 January 2011.

@ IJTSRD | Unique Paper ID – IJTSRD31251 | Volume – 4 | Issue – 4 | May-June 2020 Page 903