E.coli stands for Escherichia Coli, a group of bacteria that live in the gastrointestinal (intestinal) tract of humans and animals. The presence of E.coli is normal and some types are even beneficial. However, some types can produce toxins that cause serious infections in humans, weaken the immune system, cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, dysentery, and even lead to death.
Human can get infected with E.coli through contact with contaminated food or water. E.coli can be transmitted from person to person or from animals.
Simple ways to eliminate E.coli bacteria in water
To ensure health, in situations where the water source is not guaranteed, you should treat it in advance using the following methods to prevent the risk of E.coli infection.
Using RO water filter
According to the advice of Dr. Vu Thi Tan (Hanoi University of Science and Technology) on VnExpress, the type of water filter with a reverse osmosis membrane system (also known as RO membrane) has the ability to effectively remove various types of bacteria, including E.coli. This system pushes water through the filter membrane, but does not allow pollutants or E.coli bacteria to pass through.
Therefore, if you have an RO water filter at home, you can use it with peace of mind without worrying about this bacteria. Please note to replace the filter cartridge regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Using RO water filter is a simple way to eliminate E.coli bacteria in water. (Photo: Waterpeople)
Using Chlorine
Chlorine is a powerful oxidizing and disinfecting chemical. Water treatment plants usually add this substance in the final stage of water treatment to disinfect and kill bacteria. If the water source you are using is not guaranteed, you can buy Chlorine tablets from a store or online to treat it, at a reasonable cost. However, you need to pay attention to the Chlorine dosage to ensure it does not affect your health.
According to Dr. Vu Thi Tan, to treat water at home with Chlorine to prevent E.coli, families can use 70-72 grams of 70% Chlorine powder in 10 liters of clean water, stir until completely dissolved to have clean water for cooking.
Using UV lamps
UV lamps can effectively kill E.coli bacteria in water. All bacteria in the water will be destroyed when it passes through the UV lamp system.
A simple way to eliminate E-Coli bacteria in water: Using UV lamps (Photo: Breezeductcleaning & Istock)
This is a simple way to eliminate E.coli bacteria in water, which has more advantages compared to the method of using Chlorine as it does not introduce any chemical substances into the water. It also does not produce any other biological products, does not change the taste, pH, and characteristics of the water. Therefore, the treated water is safe and does not affect the pipeline system.
You can buy UV lamps at metal stores or online with prices ranging from 200 thousand to 1 million VND, depending on the power of the device.
Preventing E.coli infection
To prevent diseases caused by E.coli bacteria, health experts from the American Association of Nutrition recommend that you pay attention to the following issues:
Wash hands frequently: This is a simple but very important action that you need to do to minimize the risk of E.coli infection, especially after using the toilet, touching animals, and before preparing food.
Cook food thoroughly: Raw foods always contain many types of bacteria that are harmful to health. Therefore, you need to cook the food before consuming it.
Avoid consuming foods at risk of E.coli infection: Milk, cheese, raw meat, and untreated fruit juice are high-risk foods for E.coli infection. Therefore, you should limit their consumption.
Do not swallow water from rivers, ponds, and swimming pools: When swimming in pools, rivers, and ponds, you should avoid drinking water from these environments. Some types of E.coli bacteria can invade your body and produce Shiga toxins, causing diarrhea, kidney failure, bladder problems, and other severe illnesses.
Clean vegetables and kitchen utensils: To prevent E.coli contamination more effectively, you should also develop a habit of cleaning vegetables and regularly sanitizing kitchen utensils.
Source: VTC news
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