Efficacy Evaluation of Microwave Technology for Infectious Waste Disposal

Microwave Technology for Infectious Waste Disposal

Authors

  • Apitchaya Sittiwong Division of Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University
  • Paritchaya Monthanom Division of Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University
  • Woottichai Khamduang Division of Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University
  • Sakorn Pornprasert Division of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University
  • Kanya Preechasuth Division of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University

Keywords:

Infectious waste, Hazardous waste, Microwave, Waste Management

Abstract

         This study evaluated the efficacy of microwave technology for disposing of infectious waste. The technology involves shredding waste into smaller particles, less than one square centimeter, and exposing it to microwave radiation in a closed system. The evaluation was conducted according to the criteria of the State and Territorial Association on Alternative Treatment Technologies (STAATT) Level 3, achieving a reduction of ≥ ×104 log CFU (≥ 4log10 reduction) of Bacillus subtilis spores. The results showed that Steriwave100TM with vessel capacity 100 L, using 400 Volts/3 phase, 40 Amp electricity and generated 110ºC for 20 min in 10% humidity (w/w) could inactivate the spores of Bacillus atrophaeus ATCC 9372 (previously B. subtilis var. niger) at 1.7×104, 1.8×106 and 3.2×106. Therefore, microwave technology could serve as an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative for infectious waste management disposal in healthcare settings

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Published

24-09-2025

How to Cite

1.
Sittiwong A, Monthanom P, Khamduang W, Pornprasert S, Preechasuth K. Efficacy Evaluation of Microwave Technology for Infectious Waste Disposal: Microwave Technology for Infectious Waste Disposal. ว กรมวิทย พ [internet]. 2025 Sep. 24 [cited 2026 Feb. 6];67(3):394-402. available from: https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/dmsc/article/view/273232

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Original Articles