
Survive in Water?
Cholera is a severe waterborne illness prevalent alongside poor water treatment facilities and is caused by bacterium Vibrio Cholerae. The key concern in areas prone to cholera outbreaks is understanding how long can cholera bacteria survive in water. In water, the survival duration of the bacteria varies depending on several environmental factors. Studies have ascertained that conditions such as temperature, pH level, and even light significantly impact the duration of the bacteria's survival. Read on to know more.
Cholera is a severe waterborne illness prevalent alongside poor water treatment facilities and is caused by bacterium Vibrio Cholerae. The key concern in areas prone to cholera outbreaks is understanding how long can cholera bacteria survive in water. In water, the survival duration of the bacteria varies depending on several environmental factors. Studies have ascertained that conditions such as temperature, pH level, and even light significantly impact the duration of the bacteria's survival. Read on to know more.
Several environmental conditions impact how long can cholera survive in water.
Temperature is a crucial factor. Cholera bacteria thrives in warmer climate, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. In such environments, the bacteria can persist for extended periods, sometimes weeks or even months.
The pH level of water also plays a significant role. Cholera bacteria prefer neutral to slightly alkaline water, where they can survive longer. On the other hand, extreme pH levels, either very acidic or very alkaline, can significantly reduce the bacteria's lifespan.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can rapidly kill cholera bacteria in surface waters. In contrast, in deeper or shaded waters, where sunlight penetration is limited, the bacteria may survive longer.
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