A static devolatilization apparatus (1) for germ reduction of a fluid is disclosed. The apparatus (1) comprises a housing (10), an inlet (12), an outlet (14), a fluid-contacting surface (20) comprising a biocide (22) embodied to reduce the germ count of the fluid (2), wherein the fluid-contacting surface (20) is a fluid-contacting surface (20) of a static mixing element (30). The present invention further relates to a process for reducing the germ count of a fluid containing germs (2′) using the apparatus (1) and also to the use of the apparatus (1) in the germ reduction of fuel oil, of food products, or water decontamination, preferably decontamination of waste water, industrial process water, or the treatment of drinking water.