Brillando Hacia un Futuro Sostenible: Evaluación Del Potencial de la Tecnología Uv-led en la Desinfección de Esporas Fúngicas en el Agua

The presence of fungi in water supplies can lead to several significant issues, including alterations in taste and odor, as well as infections in immunocompromised individuals. These effects compromise water quality and safety, underscoring the need for more effective disinfection technologies. In this study, a collimated UV-LED reactor was employed to irradiate Aspergillus niger and Penicillium sp. spores at wavelengths of 265 nm and 280 nm. Spore suspensions were prepared under controlled conditions and subjected to UV treatment followed by post-treatment conditions (light and darkness). Plate count assays were conducted to evaluate inactivation efficacy. A kinetic model was used to determine UV resistance and the repair capacity of the fungal strains studied. Results indicated that both the UV wavelength and post-treatment conditions influenced disinfection effectiveness. A. niger exhibited greater resistance than Penicillium sp., with D₂ values (UV dose required to achieve 99% inactivation) of 323.7 ± 90 mJ cm⁻² and 321.9 ± 43.8 mJ cm⁻² at 265 nm and 280 nm, respectively. In contrast, Penicillium sp. required 167.7 ± 13 mJ cm⁻² and 146.5 ± 29.2 mJ cm⁻² at the same wavelengths. The two strains displayed distinct UV resistance and DNA damage repair capabilities. Dark repair was negligible, whereas photoreactivation played a significant role: A. niger showed higher resistance, while Penicillium sp. demonstrated a greater capacity for photoreactivation. The use of UV-LEDs not only substantially enhances disinfection efficacy but also supports safer and more sustainable practices aligned with public health goals and environmental conservation.