Bactericidal Efficacy of Sanitizers Produced by Commercial Water Treatment Generators

Abstract : Five commercial water sanitizer generators were tested, by the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC), for bactericidal efficacy of their sanitizer on stainless steel surfaces. Sanitizers generated were Acid Electrolyzed Water (AEW), hydrogen peroxide, mixed oxidants, and ozone. Manually produced chlorine dioxide was also tested. Surfaces were inoculated with three strain cocktails of S. aureus and E.coli, dried and then immersed in a solution of each sanitizer. Efficacy was determined by achieving a 5 log reduction within five minutes. AEW concentrations of 80 -100 ppm free available chlorine (FAC) and chlorine dioxide at 100 ppm were effective with both adherent and non-adherent cells. Such generators would provide the Army Mobile Kitchen Trailer (MKT), the Assault Kitchen (AK) and the Containerized Kitchen (CK) with the means to produce an effective sanitizing solution in the field without re-supply. They would also eliminate the logistical problems and hazards entailed with the purchase and shipment of chemicals throughout the military supply system. The generators will require electrical power and a potable water supply.