Optimizing Operating Parameters of Electric Ultra-Low Volume Sprayer with Slightly Acidic Electrolyzed Solution for Efficient Virucidal Activity on Environmental Surfaces

Abstract

Recently, and considering the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a growing consensus that the disinfection of surfaces contaminated with pathogenic viral particles is essential. Chemical disinfectant sprays are effective at preventing the spread of infectious human noroviruses (Hu-NoVs) in healthcare and public areas. We assessed the virucidal activity of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) spray on fomite surfaces. A multivariate statistical assessment that combined a response surface methodology (RSM) and a Box–Behnken design (BBD) was performed to define the optimal parameters of, and correlations among, experimental conditions. Spraying SAEW disinfectant (oxidation-reduction potential: 1123 mV, pH range: 5.12, available chlorine concentration: 33.22 ppm) resulted in the successful decontamination of Hu-NoV, with a 4-log reduction in viral particles on polyvinyl chloride, stainless steel, ceramic tile, and glass surfaces. Our experimental data revealed optimized treatment conditions for decontaminating Hu-NoV GI.6 and GII.4, using the numerical multiple optimized method (spraying rate: 218 mL/min, spraying time: 4.9 s, spraying distance: 0.9 m). These findings offer significant insights for designing optimal strategic control practices to prevent infectious disease, particularly Hu-NoV, transmission.

Application of ultra‐low‐volume spray for the control of vegetable disease in greenhouse: Investigation of formulation performance and potential dermal exposure

“…Moving from one end of a greenhouse (e.g., 5000 square meters) to the other, a ULV sprayer can cover in as little as 15 min but a traditional hydraulic sprayer might take 2-3 h. From the perspective of plant disease prevention and control, traditional hydraulic spraying will increase the humidity of the greenhouse and provide favorable conditions for the reproduction of pathogen, while ultra-low volume spraying will hardly increase the humidity of the greenhouse, thereby reducing the risk of disease occurrence. [35][36][37] Fluazinam is a protective fungicide developed by the Ishihara Chemical Co., Ltd., Japan. It has advantages such as a wide fungicidal spectrum, long duration, rainfall resistance, and low systemic absorption.…”

“…For example, in traditional hydraulic spray, the pesticide needs to be diluted with large amount of water (200–300 kg/ha) before spraying while Ultra‐low volume (ULV) spray is designed to be sprayed without dilution. Moving from one end of a greenhouse (e.g., 5000 square meters) to the other, a ULV sprayer can cover in as little as 15 min but a traditional hydraulic sprayer might take 2–3 h. From the perspective of plant disease prevention and control, traditional hydraulic spraying will increase the humidity of the greenhouse and provide favorable conditions for the reproduction of pathogen, while ultra‐low volume spraying will hardly increase the humidity of the greenhouse, thereby reducing the risk of disease occurrence 35–37 …”