Changes in populations of Escherichia coli and viruses () in treated water relative to the initial populations () as a function of specific energy release (J cm⁻³) during the treatment. Potable water with a conductivity μS cm⁻¹ was used.  Hz. The initial () concentration of E. coli was ≈10⁶ colony-forming units mL⁻¹ and that of coliphages ≈10⁷ plaque-forming units mL⁻¹. (1)  E. coli; (2) coliphages.