Use of Electrolysed Water as Disinfection Technology in Front of Various Microorganisms and SARS-COV-2

Abstract

The global emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has highlighted the urgent need for effective disinfection strategies to mitigate virus transmission. Electrolyzed water (EW), an eco-friendly and cost-effective biocidal agent, has garnered attention for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. This study evaluates the virucidal, bactericidal, and fungicidal capacities of EW with diverse pH, with a focus on its effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens. EW was generated under controlled conditions with adjustable pH (4.5 and 6.1) and free available chlorine (FAC) concentrations (300–1000 ppm). The biocidal activity was tested on surfaces and in solution following standardized protocols. Results demonstrated that oxidized EW at optimized concentrations achieved a ≥ 4 log reduction in bacterial populations and effectively inactivated enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, but this effect depends on FAC, pH, and contact time. Notably, EW reduced SARS-CoV-2 by > 4 log in solution and surfaces, in only 2 and 5 min, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of EW as a sustainable, multi-application disinfectant to combat emerging pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, ensuring public health safety.