Abstract
The disposal of microbiologically contaminated or potentially contaminated liquid waste is an important consideration for research facilities and other installations. Traditional methods include batch steam sterilization and chemical, thermo-chemical, or thermal disinfection kill-tanks. This report describes a new continuous effluent decontamination system that allows for the continuous collection, thermal sterilization, and cool-down of waste water prior to discarding from the facility. The verification of the safety, efficacy, and maintenance of the process required the development of specific microbiological test methods, which are described and discussed. The benefits of and considerations for using the system for liquid waste treatment and disposal–in comparison to traditional kill tanks—are discussed.