Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation of melted snow and ice samples: inactivation of microorganisms and effects on insoluble microparticles

Abstract The long-term refrigerated storage of melted snow and/or ice samples for analyses insoluble microparticles (hereafter, microparticles) may be limited by increases in the biological particle concentration caused microbial growth after ~1–2 weeks. In this study, we examined an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection method and determined effects on microparticles. Surface obtained from Glacier No. 31 Suntar-Khayata Range, eastern Siberia, Russia was divided into two portions UV treatment untreated controls. Microparticle concentrations size distributions (in range 0.52–12.0 μm) were measured using a Coulter counter. Whereas microparticle increased, no obvious increase observed over 53 d subjected to treatment. Microbial detected only viable addition, original unaffected Our results demonstrated that distribution water reflects growth, decomposition succession microorganisms time further indicate irradiation is effective analysis.