Q. How Boiling used for sterilization?
Though highly unreliable as a sterilization technique and more effective for disinfection, it is used very often. Boiling water in hot water sterilizer reaches 100oC and a time period of 10-30 minutes promotes sterilization. Sterilization may be promoted with addition of 2% sodium bicarbonate. Steam at atmospheric pressure (100oC): Koch or Arnold steamer or lab autoclaves are used. A 90 minute exposure is recommended.