The efficacy of chlorine-based disinfectants against planktonic and biofilm bacteria for decentralised point-of-use drinking water
Authors: Gillian E. Clayton, Robin M. S. Thorn and Darren M. Reynolds
Abstract
This study looks at different chlorine-based disinfectants used to make drinking water safe, especially in places without large water treatment systems. It compares three types of chlorine disinfectants—hypochlorite ions (OCl⁻), hypochlorous acid (HOCl), and electrochemically activated solutions (ECAS)—to see how well they kill bacteria and prevent harmful biofilms from forming. The results show that HOCl is the most effective at killing bacteria like E. coli, while ECAS works best at breaking down biofilms, which are layers of bacteria that stick to surfaces. Based on this, the study suggests that disinfectants containing HOCl or ECAS are the best choices for small-scale drinking water treatment.
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