Which microbial control method is most effective for killing a population of Bacteria X?

• A. A microbial control method with a D-value of 1 hour.
• B. A microbial control method with a D-value of 10 minutes.
• C. A microbial control method with a D-value of 30 minutes.
• D. A microbial control method with a D-value of 2 hours.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of D-value: The D-value, or decimal reduction time, is the time required at a certain condition (e.g., temperature) to kill 90% of the microorganisms or reduce the population by one log cycle.
2. Compare the D-values provided: A lower D-value indicates a more effective microbial control method because it takes less time to achieve the same level of microbial reduction.
3. Analyze the options: You have D-values of 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 2 hours. The method with the smallest D-value will be the most effective.
4. Identify the most effective method: The method with a D-value of 10 minutes is the most effective because it requires the least amount of time to reduce the bacterial population by 90%.
5. Conclude the analysis: The microbial control method with a D-value of 10 minutes is the most effective for killing a population of Bacteria X, as it achieves the desired reduction in the shortest time.