EFFECT OF ACIDIFICATION ON STABILITY AND BACTERICIDAL ACTIVITY OF ADDED CHLORINE IN WATER SUPPLIES1 2

Abstract

Studies were conducted to determine the effect of acidification on the bactericidal activity and stability of added chlorine in water supplies. The destruction of P. fluorescens, P. fragi and A. metalcaligenes by 5 and 10 ppm available chlorine at different pH levels was determined. Results indicated that bactericidal efficiency of hypochlorite solutions was greatly increased when the dilution water was acidified below pH 6.0. Studies to determine the effect of acidification of the water on the ability of the available chlorine indicated that at various pH levels from pH 4.0 to 9.0 there is little loss of available chlorine within 24 hrs.