In water at 60 degrees C, approximately how long does it take for Legionella pneumophila to die?

Legionella pneumophila is a bacterium that can be harmful to humans, and understanding its behavior in water systems is crucial for effective management and control. At a water temperature of 60 degrees Celsius, studies have shown that Legionella pneumophila begins to die off rapidly. Research indicates that the bacterium can take approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour to achieve a significant reduction in viable cells.

The choice indicating 32 minutes aligns well with scientific data, which suggests that at 60 degrees Celsius, Legionella can be reduced sufficiently to mitigate the risk of infection. This temperature is effective in inactivating the bacteria because higher temperatures cause stress on the microbial cell walls and reduce their metabolic processes. Therefore, the time frame associated with 32 minutes effectively demonstrates the expected level of control over Legionella pneumophila within that temperature range.