Peracetic acid
Agriculture disinfection biocide
Evonik supplies peracetic acid grades specifically developed for agricultural applications, such as disinfection of drip irrigation systems, treatment of pathogens in water systems and veterinary facilities.
Peracetic acid as a biocide in agriculture
Solutions of peracetic acid have been proved to be a highly effective and environmentally friendly biocide in agriculture. Pulse cleaning of drip lines in the absence of plants, disinfection of tools, tables and containers as well as washing of harvested goods with peracetic acid are typical examples of the broad range of possible applications.
The main applications are:
- Washing water for potatoes or fruits
- Irrigation water (surface, rain and spring water)
- Greenhouses and other horticulture purposes
The concentration of peracetic acid depends on the specific requirements in the respective application.
It is advisable to adapt the concentration on the basis of corresponding microbiological tests. The product is suited to kill harmful organisms such as Soft Rot (Erwinia Carotovora) and Brown Rot (Ralstonia Solanacearum). After disinfection peracetic acid decomposes into ecologically harmless residues such as water, oxygen and acetic acid.
Peracetic acid for disinfection and slime control
Drip irrigation systems
Today, a highly efficient agriculture plays an important role due to increasing demand of a growing population. Therefore, the agricultural sector focuses increasingly on more efficient drip irrigation rather than traditional flood irrigation. A major issue in drip irrigation is the clogging of water pipes and emitters due to biofilm formation. In greenhouses, besides the drip irrigation system, there is an additional need to fight pathogens which can be found on any surface. Also, it has been shown that disinfection of fruits or vegetables can extend their shelf life.
Veterinary hygiene
We offer concentrated peracetic acid formulations with a broad spectrum of efficacy against virus, bacteria, fungi and spores for veterinary facilities. They are highly effective in very low concentrations even at low temperatures and/or in presence of organic impurities. Applications include general surface and equipment cleaning and disinfection, treatment of water supply systems and thermal fogging.
Treatment of water systems
In surface disinfection the surfaces are cleaned and disinfected to avoid diseases in livestock. Peracetic acid is applied by mechanical sprayers or pressure washers. Water systems very often contain bacteria. Sanitizing cleans the system and eliminates growth of bacteria. Thermal fogging is the preferred procedure to disinfect buildings, animal housings and inside areas that are difficult to access. It requires special fogging equipment.
