Suitability of Sodium Pyruvate as Decomposer of Carried‐over Liquid Hydrogen Peroxide

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the concentration of sodium pyruvate in growth media by using the mostprobable number method to decompose carried-over liquid hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) without negative influences on correct enumeration of Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores. An equivalent molar ratio of sodium pyruvate and H 2 O 2 was verified to be sufficient for a complete decomposition. The results showed that by exposition of G. stearothermophilus spores in different liquid hydrogen peroxide and by carry-over of concentrations ranging from 3.56 Á 10 -6 up to 1.69 Á 10 -4 mol, a sodium pyruvate concentration of 0.05 mol L -1 in growth media was most efficient for the recovery of spores.