A note on the effect of dilution and temperature on the bactericidal activity of potassium sorbate

Abstract

The effect of dilution and temperature on the antibacterial properties of potassium sorbate was determined. The time taken to kill a standard inoculum of Escherichia coli was increased considerably after dilution of the preservative or lowering of the temperature. The value for the concentration exponent, .eta., was .apprx. 3 and that for the temperature coefficient, Q10, was 2 .cntdot. 3.