RE: [compost_tea] sodium hypochlorite and chlorine

From: Tom Jaszewski <tomj_at_livesoil.com>
Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2003 18:00:58 -0700

Here are some collected readings. What really strikes me is that irrigation
research indicates that a 1ppm solution chlorine ". Chlorine injection is
the most common and least expensive method to prevent clogging by biological
growth (algae, colonial protozoa, sulfur bacteria, and other mucous
organisms)."

Chlorine in some forms is persistent.

There are test strips capable of testing for free and total chlorine but are
generally not as accurate as other methods.

Using Chlorine (Free and Total) Reagent Sets Colorimetric Method and water
collected from irrigation systems with varied levels (1-2.5ppm total Cl) we
clearly have shown chlorine is not necessarily volatized by spray
irrigation. Water collected from spray irrigation system where water had
2ppm concentration of total Cl still had enough chlorine to be effective in
a home spa/pool!

"Based on these experiments, 'Emerald Gem' homalomena and Ming aralia would
be inappropriate for inclusion in plantscapes situated close enough to be
splashed with chlorinated pool or spa water."
http://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/Foliage/Resrpts/rh_92_25.htm

"Mixing liquid sodium hypochlorite in water
results in the formation of hypochlorous acid (HOCl)
and hydroxyl ions (OH-1), a reaction that raises the
pH of the water."

Sodium hypocholite (very pure chlorine gas and high quality caustic soda
lye ) 12.5-14% Cl active.

"Sodium hypochlorite has advantages such as low cost, low toxicity, fast
sanitary action and effectiveness over viruses and spore bacteria."
http://www.isrvma.org/article/57_3_2.htm

Medical research..
"Mechanism of Action of Sodium Hypochlorite"
http://www.forp.usp.br/bdj/bdj13(2)/v13n2a07/v13n2a07.pdf

Water quality can have a significant effect on Subsurface Drip Irrigation
"Chlorine can be injected to kill bacteria either continuously with a low
dosage base (0.5-1.5 ppm) or periodically at a high dose of 5 to 20 ppm.
Periodic dosage is most common in Kansas systems. The dosage level should be
sufficient that a concentration of 0.5 to 1 ppm of free chlorine should be
measured at the end of the system. Chlorine is more effective in acid
waters. High pH or alkaline waters should be acidified to a pH of 6.5 for
effective chlorine treatment. Acid treatment can also an effective treatment
for bacteria growth."

Chlorine Injection. Chlorine injection is the most common and least
expensive method to prevent clogging by biological growth (algae, colonial
protozoa, sulfur bacteria, and other mucous organisms). Iron and manganese
precipitating bacteria can be controlled by chlorine treatments, aeration or
polyphosphates.
Chlorination may be required for iron and sulfide problems or to eliminate
microbial problems. This requires a measured value of least 1.0 ppm of free
residual chlorine at the ends of the lines. The free residual is the amount
of chlorine that is left after the injected chlorine has reacted with all
the sulfides, iron, algae or bacteria. Sufficient quantities must be
injected into the system to meet the required reactions to still leave 1.0
ppm residual chlorine. Constant, automated, chlorination is often
recommended. Chlorination is most effective when water pH is less than 6.5.
http://www.bsyse.prosser.wsu.edu/report/grapeirr.html





Activated carbon is a viable method to reduce chloramines and chlorine. The
literature notes some important facts in designing AC beds for chloramine
removal:
- Water Chemistry by V. Snoeyink, D. Jenkins 1980, Pages 396-399
- Proceedings of the 47th Annual IWC 1986 "Innovative Design for Chloramine
Removal..." by Jones et al, Pages 440-448
Journal AWWA - Research and Technology June 1986; "A Review of Chlorine
Dioxide in Drinking Water" by E. M. Aieta and J. D. Berg, Page 70


Biocidal Efficiency (best to worst)
ozone > chlorine dioxide > free chlorine > chloramines
Stability (best to worst)
chloramines > chlorine dioxide > free chlorine > ozone




Tom Jaszewski
www.livesoil.com
702-595-7012

-----Original Message-----
From: George and Paulette Mouchet [mailto:geomouchet_at_QNET.COM]
Sent: Friday, June 27, 2003 7:45 AM
To: 'compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com'
Subject: RE: [compost_tea] sodium hypochlorite and chlorine

Dear Chris:

I know Cl is very volitile and leaves during overhead sprinkling, which is
a lot of my watering.

However, as I stated previously, I don't believe free Cl is the issue. Our
water tests low for Cl with a standard pool test strip.

I'm interested in two main issues:

1a) What are the products of the reaction of sodium hypochlorite and water

1b) What are the effects of these byproducts on an organic garden

2a) Can I have sodium hypochlorite (not the byproducts, but the actual
substance) at the tap. I don't know if the chlorine in sodium hypochlorite
would register up on a standard pool test strip because the chlorine is not
free. I don't know if NaOCl would "bubble off" during overhead watering.

2b) What is the effect of sodium hypochlorite (not the byproducts, but the
actual substance) on an organic garden.

I suspect that NaOCl does not show up on a test strip. I suspect that
NaOCl does not bubble off. I suspect that I'm applying sodium hypochlorite
to my organic material at which point the NaOCl is reacting with the
organic material and causing problems.

Paulette

-----Original Message-----
From: chris reid [SMTP:reidchris_at_earthlink.net]
Sent: Friday, June 27, 2003 5:58 AM
To: compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com
Subject: [compost_tea] sodium hypochlorite and chlorine


Paulette,

I will await replies on your chemistry equation request -- I can't help
there.

How are you watering your plants? Are you irrigating? If so, is it drip
or
bubbler/spray head?

I ask because when I talked to the soil specialist at the state ag
experiment station, he told me that because chlorine is very volatile, it
was his opinion that most of it would leave the water and go into the air
with a bubbler or overhead type of irrigation.

He does not use compost tea, so his opinion is not based on studying soil
test results with/without chlorine or sodium hypochlorite; others may have
such data and may be able to speak to it.

I don't know if we have sodium hypochlorite in our water or what its
volatility is.

Chris Reid



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Received on Fri Jun 27 2003 - 22:03:27 EDT

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