Water Disinfection

Disinfection of irrigation systems and nutrient solutions in plant cultivation

Disinfection of irrigation systems and nutrient solutions in plant cultivation is essential to prevent the spread of diseases and pests, thus promoting the growth of healthy plants.

In irrigation systems, bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms can accumulate, which may transmit diseases to plants. If water is not regularly disinfected, these organisms proliferate within the system, posing a threat to plant health. Similarly, in nutrient solutions used for plant fertilization, bacteria and fungi can accumulate, affecting plant growth. Regular disinfection of the nutrient solution helps prevent the spread of diseases and pests, thus promoting the growth of healthy plants. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly disinfect irrigation systems and nutrient solutions in plant cultivation to promote the growth of healthy plants and ensure high crop quality.

Sanosil disinfectants have proven to be excellent for this task for decades, thanks to their good compatibility with plants and their nearly complete decomposition into water and oxygen.

Disinfection of drinking water systems (pipes, tanks, wells, filter systems, etc.)

Water systems tend to accumulate germs such as bacteria, fungi, algae, and potentially protozoa. The longer this growth is tolerated, the thicker the biofilms (slimy deposits consisting of various microorganisms) become. Biofilms provide a protective layer for the germs living within them, making disinfection increasingly challenging over time.

Regular maintenance, cleaning, and disinfection of water tanks, reservoirs, pipelines, as well as water treatment facilities such as softeners or cleaned and disinfected water pipes and tanks, meet legal hygiene standards and requirements to ensure the availability of consistently safe drinking water.

The „VBNC“ behavior (Viable But Not Culturable) of certain bacteria poses a significant problem in the cleaning and disinfection of water systems of all kinds. „Viable But Not Culturable“ describes the mechanism whereby certain microorganisms, such as Pseudomonas, enter a state of shock or „hibernation“ upon contact with certain disinfectants (such as chlorine). This means that they are still viable but no longer capable of multiplying. Upon retesting, these germs are no longer detected using standard detection methods.

Sanosil disinfectants have proven to be highly effective in the disinfection of water installations and water disinfection. Thanks to stabilized and catalytically enhanced hydrogen peroxide, the efficacy in removing and eliminating biofilms and germs of all kinds is significantly better than with chlorine or chlorine dioxide. Additionally, it has been demonstrated in tanks, pipelines, filters, and other water-carrying systems that when Sanosil disinfectants are used correctly for cleaning and disinfecting tanks, pipelines, filters, and other water-carrying components, the VBNC status of microorganisms no longer occurs. The germs are completely disintegrated.

Legionella control – disinfection of hot water systems

Legionella bacteria can grow and proliferate in water pipes, hot water systems, as well as cooling and air conditioning systems. They can cause a dangerous form of pneumonia in humans known as Legionnaires‘ disease, especially in older individuals or those with weakened immune systems. Therefore, it is crucial to effectively combat Legionella and prevent their spread in water pipes and systems.

An effective method for combating Legionella is the use of disinfectants containing enhanced hydrogen peroxide (such as Sanosil products). Studies have shown that these disinfectants yield better results in Legionella control compared to chemicals like chlorine or chlorine dioxide, particularly when biofilms have already been established.

Enhanced or boosted hydrogen peroxide contains a combination of hydrogen peroxide and catalytically active silver ions. This allows for excellent and rapid action even at low concentrations, which positively affects corrosion behavior in water systems. Furthermore, boosted hydrogen peroxide offers additional advantages over chlorine or chlorine dioxide in Legionella control. It is less corrosive and does not produce harmful trihalomethanes or AOX (Adsorbable Organic Halides).

Sanosil disinfectants have proven to be effective and gentle methods for Legionella control and prevention over the years. They help ensure the health and safety of people in public buildings and facilities.

Disinfection of water / drinking installations in animal husbandry

Watering facilities in animal husbandry must be regularly cleaned and disinfected to ensure the health and well-being of the animals. Sanosil disinfectant is a reliable solution for thoroughly disinfecting watering facilities. Due to its unique formulation, Sanosil disinfectants are particularly effective for this purpose. They are based on hydrogen peroxide and efficacy-enhancing silver ions, ensuring rapid and thorough disinfection. Unlike many other disinfectants that are only moderately effective, Sanosil disinfectants are also effective against bacterial slimes/biofilms and VBNC (Viable But Not Culturable) bacteria.

They thus provide comprehensive protection against a variety of pathogens that can occur in water systems of animal husbandry facilities. As a significant advantage, Sanosil disinfectants do not alter the smell or taste of the disinfected water. And unlike chlorine, Sanosil disinfectants in dosed condition do not irritate the eyes or respiratory tract of humans and animals.

Disinfection of laboratory waste water, cell culture supernatants and liquid waste

Liquid waste in laboratories, such as cell culture supernatants, contains biological substances that can potentially be infectious and therefore must not be released into the environment. Hence, it is essential to disinfect or inactivate these liquid wastes and cell culture supernatants before disposal. Sanosil S015 is an effective disinfectant based on a combination of hydrogen peroxide and silver ions. These active ingredients act synergistically to ensure rapid and thorough inactivation of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

The Swiss Office for Water, Waste, Energy and Air (AWEL) has recognized Sanosil as a suitable disinfectant for the inactivation of liquid waste and cell culture supernatants in laboratories. Sanosil is effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi and has been proven suitable for disposal via wastewater sewage systems. Biological treatment stages in wastewater treatment are not affected thanks to the complete decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.

Disinfection of wells

To keep water clean and free from germs, regular disinfection of water wells is crucial. Especially for newly constructed or contaminated wells, thorough disinfection is essential to protect the health of users.

An effective method for well disinfection is the use of hydrogen peroxide. Alternatively, when using Sanosil disinfectants, which have hydrogen peroxide additionally catalytically enhanced, the same effect can be achieved with significantly smaller doses. The effect is quick, effective, and measurably longer-lasting against a variety of waterborne pathogens compared to pure hydrogen peroxide or chlorine solutions.

With Sanosil disinfectants, shock disinfections are preferably performed, and the disinfection solution is then discarded. Thanks to the good and simple detectability using test strips, it is possible to achieve complete separation between the disinfection solution and drinking/washing/bathing water.

Drinking water: preservation and disinfection

Disinfection and especially preservation (network protection) with Sanosil disinfectants is not only technically feasible but also significantly advantageous compared to other products from both technical and health perspectives. Sanosil disinfectants do not alter the smell or taste of the treated water, remain stable for a significantly longer period, do not cause trihalomethanes/AOX, and are effective even in very low concentrations.

Sanosil disinfectants have proven to be highly effective for use as drinking water disinfectants and preservation of treated drinking water, particularly in military and civil defense applications. However, the use of Sanosil disinfectants for systemic drinking water disinfection always depends on country-specific approvals, which may not be available in all countries worldwide. The legal situation must be clarified in advance for this application.