The present study aimed to determine the kinetic parameters of thermal inactivation of Escherichia coli in sewage sludge. The tests were performed in the laboratory using the three-neck flask method at temperatures of 45, 50, 55, 60 and 65ºC. The results indicated that the thermal inactivation kinetic of this microorganism can be described by a first order model. The resistance of bacteria is greatly reduced at temperatures above 55ºC. The inactivation energy was found 2.48x10(5) J.mol-1. The decimal reduction time D55ºC was 3.61 minutes and the thermal coefficient z was 8.3ºC.
sewage sludge; Escherichia coli; thermal inactivation; kinetic parameters
