Biofilm is a living complex of organic and inorganic components that become established on surfaces that are in regular contact with water. Such surfaces include pressurized irrigation lines, non-pressurized recirculation system return lines, holding tanks, mixing tanks, containment vessels, and so on. Largely comprised of highly adaptive bacteria, biofilm layers attach themselves to hard surfaces and then grow, becoming thicker and quite established over time.
In horticultural operations such as greenhouses and nurseries, common fertilizer injection actually serves as an accelerant to biofilm growth. Most growers are quite familiar with the presence of biofilm in their fertilizer lines. The layer of slimy growth is seen whenever a line is cut into for repair. Biofilm growth is not restricted to fertilizer lines, however, and is also common in clear water lines, although usually by a slightly less dramatic presence.
Chlorine Dioxide’s Potential
One property of chlorine dioxide that provides a large part of its potential is it is a gas that is very soluble in water. On-site generator technology allows for the production of a stock concentrate in the 2,000 to 3,000 ppm range. This stock solution is then injected into irrigation systems to a final, hose-end concentration below 1.0 ppm that results in excellent water sanitation.
Connected to this solubility characteristic is that as a gas dissolved in water, chlorine dioxide is free to diffuse or move within its solution. Due to this property, its molecules are free to move about within an irrigation line. They capitalize on this freedom of movement by penetrating biofilm layers and killing the complex right down to its attachment sites along the hard surface it has colonized. With the exception of ozone, no other sanitizing technology has the ability to diffuse this effectively.
See below results from a trial using Dutrion in a lettuce processing and washing plant in Mexico
See below results using regular chlorine
Source: Dutrion North America trial 2012
The conclusion is that using Dutrion has significantly reduced Coliforms and bacteria in comparison to Chlorine.
Disclaimer:
No claims are being made or implied from the benefits listed on this website.
These are only observations that are made by independent producers and plant specialists.
