
SC-100
Chlorine and Microbes
Chlorine has been used as the basis for water treatment and disinfection due to its eectiveness and
abundance all over the world, the main source being in our oceans in the form of sodium chloride (Salt).
Conventionally, bleach based on the chemical sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is used to disinfect bacteria and
viruses. However hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is proven to be 80 to 100 times more eective as an antimicrobial
compared to sodium hypochlorite.
All bacteria and many viruses are protected by a negatively charged membrane, therefore the negatively
charged hypochlorite ion (ClO-) is repelled away from the microbes and is unable to pass through the
membrane layer.
NaOCl vs HOCl
Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) breaks through the membrane layer in a forceful manner. This is commonly
practised by raising the pH of the hypochlorite ion to about pH 13 by adding sodium hydroxide. The high
pH causes the membrane to lose its structure allowing the hypochlorite ions to pass into the centre of the
microbe. However, this process requires a high concentration as it must overpower and control the entire
surrounding environment.
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a relatively small molecule with no overall charge meaning it can easily diuse
through the membrane layer and enter the centre of the microbe. Once inside, HOCl disrupts vital processes
within the microbes such as breaking down nucleic and halting protein production, killing them with a small
but highly eective dose.
Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl)
ClO- vs Microbe NaClO vs Microbe HOCl vs Microbe
O
Cl
O
Cl
Na
Na
Na
Na
Na
Na
O
HCl
NOV 2022GreenTeck Global
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SC-100 User Manual SV: 5.4.15