Inactivation of Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus megaterium spores irradiated with gamma and electron beam

Comparative radiation sensitivities of Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus megaterium spores dried on cellulose and glass filters with or without additives were investigated by irradiating them with gamma and electron beam under aerobic condition. It was found that the radiation-sensitivity of spores of both the organisms without additives in electron beam did not differ to that of gamma rays in aerobic condition. When irradiated by gamma or electron beam, both the spores were more resistant in presence of additives than in absence of them. It was also found that Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus megaterium spores when irradiated in presence of additives by electron beam, the D10 values were always higher than those of gamma rays. 6 refs., 4 figs. 1 table (author)