Ultraviolet (Spot)light on Water Treatment: Targeting Inactivation Efficiency and Stress Responses of Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria Using UV-B and UV-C LEDs

Abstract

This study examines the inactivation kinetics and stress responses of Gram-positive and Gram-negative waterborne bacteria using ultraviolet (UV)-B and UV-C LEDs at varying fluences. Our findings show that UV-light-emitting diodes (LED) treatment effectively inactivates both bacterial types, achieving over 4-log reductions at 255 nm and 285 nm wavelengths. Notably, inactivation rates at 285 nm, especially at higher fluences, are comparable to or exceed those at 255 nm. Additionally, UV-B treatment at 285 nm requires shorter exposure times for the same UV dose due to its deeper penetration into water and higher radiant flux. Stress responses varied between species: 255 nm exposure caused more direct DNA damage, triggering the SOS response with recA upregulation, particularly in Gram-positive L. innocua; while 285 nm exposure primarily induced oxidative stress, leading to soxS upregulation, especially in Gram-negative bacteria. These results suggest that UV-B complements UV-C effects by causing reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in addition to DNA damage, challenging DNA repair. Given the higher cost of UV-C LEDs, our results support the optimization of water treatment systems using UV-B LEDs, which is a promising approach for improving bacterial inactivation while reducing exposure time and energy use.