Efficacy of Anolyte in controlling surface microflora of maize kernels

Introduction

Electrochemically synthesized reagents are rapidly finding application in a variety of manmade environments. Not only does this technology offer a cost-effective alternative to existing technologies, but is also contributing to the protection of the environment through the implementation of electromechanical-based effluent treatment and waste minimization processes. Electrochemically synthesized reagents (with reference to the Anolyte) have antimicrobial properties and can potentially be used as surface disinfectants. The advantages of electrochemically synthesized reagents can be listed as follows:

  • These reagents are synthesized from diluted solutions of inorganic salts. This is in contrast to traditional chemical reagents, which are prepared by dissolving corrosive acids and alkalis.
  • Important parameters such as pH and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) are manipulated by variation of the inorganic salt mixture. To achieve a similar level of manipulation for chemical reagents, additional chemical compounds have to be added.
  • Reaction capacity and electrochemical reagent parameters can be varied according to the customer’s requirements.
  • Since electrochemical reagents occur on-site, transportation costs are eliminated. This is in contrast to the use of traditional chemicals, which may require timely planning, purchasing and proper storage infrastructure.
  • Since electrochemically synthesized reagents are produced by an environmentally safe technology, the need for nuetralisation or purification prior to use is absent.

In conclusion, electrochemically synthesized reagents offer an exciting, cost-effective and practical alternative to current effluent treatment process, waste minimization procedures, and chemical surface disinfectants.

Materials and Methods

Ten (10) maize kernels (supplied by Radical Water) were incubated for 8 min in different Anolyte (supplied by Radical Waters) dilutions. Thereafter, 5 kernels were placed on Nutrient Agar (Biolab) and Potato Dextrose Agar (Biolab) and incubated at 25ÂșC for 48h.

Results

The physical characteristics of the Anolyte dilutions are shown in Table 1. The results summarized in Table 2.

Table 1 and 2

Discussion and Conclusions

  • Anolyte was in general more effective against moulds and yeasts than aerobic bacteria.
  • Anolyte was effective against moulds and yeasts at 1:100 dilution, but ineffective at 1:1000 dilution.
  • Anolyte was moderately effective against aerobic bacteria at 1:100 dilution, but ineffective at 1:1000 dilution.