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[Redoxpotential and germicidal action of aqueous halogen solution (author transl)]
Zentralblatt Fur Bakteriologie. 1. Abt. Originale B, Hygiene, Krankenhaushygiene, Betriebshygiene, Praventive Medizin
|January 1, 1980
Summary
Redox potentials do not reliably predict the germicidal action of halogen solutions. Complex interactions between halogen type, pH, and other substances influence effectiveness, challenging simple concentration-activity relationships.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Chemistry
- Microbiology
Context:
- Halogen solutions (chlorine, bromine, iodine) are widely used disinfectants.
- Their germicidal efficacy is often assumed to correlate with redox potential.
- Factors like pH, halides, and ammonia can significantly alter halogen chemistry.
Purpose:
- To investigate the complex relationship between redox potentials and equilibrium concentrations of halogens.
- To determine if redox potential can reliably predict the germicidal activity of halogen solutions.
- To analyze the influence of halides and ammonia on halogen redox potentials and concentrations.
Summary:
- Methods were developed to calculate equilibrium concentrations of chlorine, bromine, and iodine under various conditions, including the presence of halides and ammonia.
- Calculated redox potentials showed a complex, non-linear correlation with total and equilibrium halogen concentrations.
- This relationship is influenced by halogen type, pH, and reactive co-substances, refuting simple predictive models.
Impact:
- Demonstrates that redox potential is an unreliable indicator of germicidal action in halogen solutions.
- Highlights the critical role of solution chemistry (pH, co-substances) in determining disinfectant efficacy.
- Findings necessitate a re-evaluation of disinfection monitoring methods, moving beyond simple redox potential measurements.