Textbook Question
How can campers effectively treat stream water to remove pathogenic protozoa, bacteria, and viruses?
Ch. 9 - Controlling Microbial Growth in the Environment
Bauman6th EditionMicrobiology with Diseases by TaxonomyISBN: 9780134832302
Not the one you use?Change textbookSelect a different textbook
Table of contents
- Ch. 1 - A Brief History of Microbiology31
- Ch. 2 - The Chemistry of Microbiology28
- Ch. 3 - Cell Structure and Function39
- Ch. 4 - Microscopy, Staining, and Classification25
- Ch. 5 - Microbial Metabolism51
- Ch. 6 - Microbial Nutrition and Growth37
- Ch. 7 - Microbial Genetics51
- Ch. 8 - Recombinant DNA Technology21
- Ch. 9 - Controlling Microbial Growth in the Environment36
- Ch. 10 - Controlling Microbial Growth in the Body: Antimicrobial Drugs21
- Ch. 11 - Characterizing and Classifying Prokaryotes29
- Ch. 12 - Characterizing and Classifying Eukaryotes34
- Ch. 13 - Characterizing and Classifying Viruses, Viroids, and Prions23
- Ch. 14 - Infection, Infectious Diseases, and Epidemiology35
- Ch. 15 - Innate Immunity34
- Ch. 16 - Adaptive Immunity21
- Ch. 17 - Immunization and Immune Testing29
- Ch. 18 - Immune Disorders22
- Ch. 19 - Pathogenic Gram-Positive Bacteria25
- Ch. 20 - Pathogenic Gram-Negative Cocci and Bacilli28
- Ch. 21 - Rickettsias, Chlamydias, Spirochetes, and Vibrios25
- Ch. 22 - Pathogenic Fungi47
- Ch. 23 - Parasitic Protozoa, Helminths, and Arthropod Vectors44
- Ch. 24 - Pathogenic DNA Viruses23
- Ch. 25 - Pathogenic RNA Viruses30
- Ch. 26 - Applied and Industrial Microbiology29
- Ch. 27 - Microbial Ecology and Microbiomes22
Bauman6th EditionMicrobiology with Diseases by TaxonomyISBN: 9780134832302Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 9, Problem 15
Which of the following substances is least toxic to humans?
a. Carbolic acid
b. Glutaraldehyde
c. Hydrogen peroxide
d. Formalin
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the toxicity of each substance listed by reviewing their common uses and effects on human health. Toxicity refers to how harmful a substance is to living organisms, including humans.
Step 2: Carbolic acid (phenol) is known to be quite toxic and corrosive, causing burns and systemic poisoning if absorbed in significant amounts.
Step 3: Glutaraldehyde is a potent disinfectant and sterilizing agent, but it is also toxic and can cause irritation and sensitization upon exposure.
Step 4: Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used as an antiseptic and disinfectant; at low concentrations, it is relatively safe and breaks down into water and oxygen, making it less toxic compared to the others.
Step 5: Formalin (a solution of formaldehyde) is highly toxic and a known carcinogen, causing irritation and serious health risks upon exposure.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
3mWas this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Toxicity of Chemical Disinfectants
Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can harm humans or animals. Chemical disinfectants vary in toxicity based on their chemical structure and mode of action. Understanding toxicity helps determine safe handling and usage in medical or laboratory settings.
Recommended video:
Guided course
05:21
Types of Disinfectants
Properties and Uses of Common Disinfectants
Carbolic acid, glutaraldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and formalin are widely used disinfectants with distinct chemical properties. Their effectiveness and toxicity differ, influencing their application in sterilization, antisepsis, or surface cleaning.
Recommended video:
Guided course
04:07Properties of Water- Thermal
Hydrogen Peroxide as a Mild Disinfectant
Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizing agent that breaks down into water and oxygen, making it less toxic and environmentally friendly. It is commonly used for wound cleaning and surface disinfection due to its relatively low toxicity compared to other chemicals.
Recommended video:
Guided course
05:03Hydrogen Bonding
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Which of the following chemicals is active against bacterial endospores?
a. Copper ions
b. Ethylene oxide
c. Ethanol
d. Triclosan
5
views
Textbook Question
What are some advantages and disadvantages of using ionizing radiation to sterilize food?
3
views
Textbook Question
Biosafety Level 3 includes:
a. Double sets of entry doors
b. Pressurized suits
c. Showers in entryways
d. All of the above
3
views
Textbook Question
A sample of E. coli has been subjected to heat for a specified time, and 90% of the cells have been destroyed. Which of the following terms best describes this event?
a. Thermal death point
b. Thermal death time
c. Decimal reduction time
d. None of the above
1
views
Textbook Question
Which of the following disinfectants acts against cell membranes?
a. Phenol
b. Peracetic acid
c. Silver nitrate
d. Glutaraldehyde
6
views