Hypochlorite Solution Expiration and Stability in Household Water Treatment in Developing Countries
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 137, Issue 2
Abstract
Household water treatment with dilute hypochlorite solution has been shown to improve microbiological water quality and reduce diarrheal disease in developing countries. One concern raised by governmental agencies, implementers, and nongovernmental organizations is whether the hypochlorite solution remains stable during distribution and after the bottle is opened and usage begins. In this study, laboratory and field research was conducted to determine the expiration date and stability in the home of hypochlorite solution. Expiration-date testing found that pH-stabilized hypochlorite solution made using various production techniques in Ethiopia, Guinea, and Nigeria was stable for a minimum of 12 months in temperatures less than . Stability testing during laboratory simulated normal usage showed no degradation, and 77–91% of bottles collected from households tested met standards. Hypochlorite solution concentration drops rapidly when pH is not stabilized, when pH levels fall, and when solution is exposed to direct sunlight.
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Acknowledgments
The writers would like to thank Clorox Cooperation for their assistance, as well as Prime Enterprises, PSI staff in Nigeria and Guinea, and JSWF staff in Haiti. The Lehigh University work was partially supported by a National Science Foundation CAREER grant to cowriter Jellison (Award No. NSF0545687). The in-country work was partially supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development, Population Services International, the Jolivert Safe Water for Families project, and Innovations for Poverty Action.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 137 • Issue 2 • February 2011
Pages: 131 - 136
Copyright
© 2011 ASCE.
History
Received: Jun 30, 2009
Accepted: Jun 25, 2010
Published online: Jun 28, 2010
Published in print: Feb 2011
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