I. Properties and Applications of Hypochlorous Acid Water
Hypochlorous acid water is a disinfectant with strong oxidizing power. Its main component is hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a weak acidic solution. Chlorine is added to water in three forms: elemental chlorine (chlorine gas), sodium hypochlorite solution, and calcium hypochlorite powder. Hypochlorous acid water has the following properties:
Broad-effect bactericidal: It effectively kills microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and is less likely to develop drug resistance. This is because the strong oxidizing power of hypochlorous acid destroys microbial cell walls and viral coats, rendering them inactive.
High safety: Hypochlorous acid water is relatively safe for humans and the environment, and it returns to water after decomposition. It is worth noting that hypochlorous acid water may produce trace amounts of chloroform after reaction, but the concentration is usually very low, comparable to the amount found in tap water.
Poor stability: Hypochlorous acid water is easily affected by factors such as light and temperature and has a short shelf life. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare and use it immediately to ensure optimal disinfection effectiveness.
Hypochlorous acid water has been widely used in various fields, including medicine, food processing, and environmental disinfection. Hypochlorous acid water also demonstrates potential in smart agriculture and fisheries.
II. Applications of Hypochlorous Acid Water in Smart Agriculture
(I) Planting Applications
Hypochlorous acid water can be used for seed disinfection, soil improvement, and plant growth regulation. 8 For example:
Seed disinfection: Soaking seeds in hypochlorous acid water can effectively remove pathogens on the seed surface and increase germination rates.
Soil improvement: Hypochlorous acid water can inhibit harmful microorganisms in the soil, improve the soil microbial environment, and promote plant growth.
Plant growth regulation: Hypochlorous acid water at an appropriate concentration can promote plant growth and increase yields. 15
(II) Pest and Disease Control
Hypochlorous acid water can be used as an environmentally friendly pest and disease control method, replacing traditional chemical pesticides. 16 For example:
Spraying on crop surfaces: It can effectively kill pathogens, preventing and controlling the occurrence of diseases. 9
Irrigation systems: Adding hypochlorous acid water to irrigation systems can inhibit pathogens in the soil and reduce the occurrence of diseases.
(III) Post-harvest Processing
Hypochlorous acid water can also be used for post-harvest processing of agricultural products, helping to extend shelf life and reduce waste. 9 For example, after harvesting fruit, washing it with hypochlorous acid water can remove surface bacteria. Preserving it at low temperatures effectively extends its shelf life and maintains product quality.
III. Applications of Hypochlorous Acid Water in Smart Fisheries
(I) Aquaculture Applications
Hypochlorous acid water can be used to improve the aquaculture environment and prevent fish diseases. 17 In smart fisheries applications, sensors such as water temperature and dissolved oxygen are often used to monitor water quality. However, underwater sensors are susceptible to damage from factors such as algae growth and require regular cleaning or the use of protective covers to maintain their functionality. Hypochlorous acid water can be used in the following applications:
Water purification: Hypochlorous acid water effectively kills pathogens in water, reduces bacterial counts, and improves water quality. It oxidizes and decomposes organic matter in water, reducing COD levels, and oxidizes ammonia nitrogen into nitrogen gas, reducing ammonia nitrogen levels in the water.
Fish disease prevention: Hypochlorous acid water can prevent and control fish diseases, reduce antibiotic use, help address the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, and align with the trend toward sustainable aquaculture.
(II) Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) Certification
Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification is a third-party verification system developed by the Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) to ensure that aquaculture practices meet the highest standards in environmental protection, food safety, social responsibility, animal welfare, and traceability. 19. The use of hypochlorous acid water in aquaculture helps businesses meet BAP certification requirements and enhance the international competitiveness of their products.
IV. Related Research Results and Case Studies
Research by the Taichung Agricultural Improvement Station indicates that treating the surface of guava fruit with 40ppm hypochlorous acid water can reduce the incidence of storage-related diseases by 50%, effectively alleviating the problem of fruit quality being affected by diseases during storage and transportation. 20.
Mingdao University and Yihong Environmental Technology Company are collaborating to study the use of hypochlorous acid water in organic farming for pathogen control and tissue culture of orchids and hydroponic vegetables. 21.
Oclin conducted experiments on mung bean sprout growth using hypochlorous acid water at varying concentrations and found that hypochlorous acid water promoted growth without residual chlorine. 15.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine Bureau of the Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, has established "Precautions for the Use of Food-Grade Chlorine-Containing Disinfectants in Slaughterhouses," regulating the concentration and usage of chlorine-containing disinfectants in slaughterhouses to ensure meat hygiene and safety. 23
The Fisheries Agency subsidizes the production of powerful oxidants such as electrolyzed seawater, hypochlorous acid water, and chlorine dioxide to promote smart aquaculture. 24
V. Advantages and Disadvantages of Hypochlorous Acid Water in Smart Agriculture and Fisheries
Hypochlorous acid water has many advantages in smart agriculture and fisheries, but also some disadvantages.
Advantages Disadvantages
Broadly effective bactericidal agent, effectively controlling a wide range of pests and diseases.
Poor stability, easily degraded by environmental factors.
Highly safe, friendly to humans and the environment.
Concentration control is necessary to avoid harm to crops or aquacultured organisms.
Can reduce the use of chemical pesticides and antibiotics.
Shelf life is short, requiring immediate preparation and use.
Relatively low cost.
VI. Future Development Trends and Challenges
Hypochlorous acid water has broad application prospects in smart agriculture and fisheries. Future development trends include:
Integration with AI Technology: Hypochlorous acid water can be combined with AI technology. For example, AI systems can be used to analyze data to precisely control the concentration and dosage of hypochlorous acid water, improving control effectiveness, and developing predictive models to prevent the occurrence of pests and diseases. 25
Developing New Hypochlorous Acid Water Generators: Developing more stable and efficient hypochlorous acid water generators will extend shelf life and reduce operating costs. 8
Expanding Application Areas: Expanding the use of hypochlorous acid water to more agricultural and fishery sectors, such as animal husbandry and aquaculture. 26
However, the application of hypochlorous acid water in smart agriculture and fisheries also faces several challenges:
Technical Research and Development: Further research is needed on the effects of hypochlorous acid water on different crops and aquaculture organisms to determine optimal usage methods and concentrations.
Industry Promotion: Strengthening training and promotion for farmers and fishermen is necessary to improve their understanding and application of hypochlorous acid water.
Regulation: Developing relevant regulations to regulate the use of hypochlorous acid water in agriculture and fisheries to ensure food and environmental safety.
VII. Conclusion
As a safe and environmentally friendly disinfectant, hypochlorous acid water has broad application prospects in smart agriculture and fisheries. 24 Faced with the challenges of climate change and the growing demand for food safety, hypochlorous acid water is expected to become an important tool for promoting sustainable agricultural development. Through continuous technological research and development and industrial promotion, hypochlorous acid water will help improve agricultural and fishery production efficiency and quality, creating a safer and more sustainable agricultural production model.
The hypochlorous acid generators produced by Chlory meet a variety of application fields. We have provided multiple HOCI equipment to many disinfection plants, health care companies, biological science laboratories, etc.
Widely exported to Indonesia, Malaysia, Peru, etc.
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