Electrolyzed Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) Aqueous Solution as Low-Impact and Eco-Friendly Agent for Floor Cleaning and Sanitation

Alessandro Gessi, Paolo Formaglio, Bruno Semeraro, Daniela Summa, Elena Tamisari and Elena Tamburini ()
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Alessandro Gessi: ENEA Research Center, SSPT-MET-DISPREV, Via Martiri di Montesole, 40129 Bologna, Italy
Paolo Formaglio: GATEGREEN Srl, Via Armari 9, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Bruno Semeraro: GATEGREEN Srl, Via Armari 9, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Daniela Summa: Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agrarian Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Elena Tamisari: Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Elena Tamburini: Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 18, 1-17

Abstract: Recently, the use of disinfectants has been becoming a diffused and sometimes indiscriminate practice of paramount importance to limit the spreading of infections. The control of microbial contamination has now been concentrated on the use of traditional agents (i.e., hypochlorite, ozone). However, their prolonged use can cause potential treats, for both human health and environment. Currently, low-impact but effective biocides that are prepared in a way that avoids waste, with a very low toxicity, and safe and easy to handle and store are strongly needed. In this study, produced electrochemically activated hypochlorous (HOCl) acid solutions are investigated and proposed, integrated in a scrubbing machine for floor cleaning treatment. Such an innovative machine has been used for floor cleaning and sanitation in order to evaluate the microbial charge and organic dirt removal capacity of HOCl in comparison with a machine charged with traditional Ecolabel standard detergent. The potential damage on floor materials has also been investigated by means of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). A comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis has been carried out for evaluating the sustainability of the use of the HOCl-based and detergent-based machine.

Keywords: surface cleaning; sanitization; hypochlorous acid; HOCl; electrochemical technology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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