The Action of Atomic Hydrogen, Hydrated Electrons, and Ionizing Radiation on Bacteriophage T7 in Aqueous Solution

Coliphage T7 in aqueous suspension have been inactivated by hydrogen atoms produced in an electrodeless discharge, by hydrated electrons produced from ferrocyanide ions by uv light, and by various mixtures of radicals produced by the γ radiolysis of water. The contribution of each type of radical was determined by comparing the known G values for radical production under defined conditions of γ radiolysis of water. It was concluded that hydrogen atoms inactivate phage with high efficiency and that hydrated electrons inactivate phage with a lower efficiency, but also sensitize the survivors to hydrogen peroxide. ${\rm O}_{2}{}^{-}$ radicals do not inactivate the phage. OH radicals react with phage, but do not inactivate or sensitize them.