Model tests for the formation of chloroform by chlorine containing cleaning and disinfection products

The formation of chloroform was investigated in model tests applying the cleaning and disinfecting process with alkaline, chlorine containing c&d-materials mixed in the laboratory and with commercial products. The type of chlorine liberating compound (NaOCl, TCCA), the chlorine concentration (50-250 μg*L^-1) and the pH-value had great, partly contrary influence on the chloroform formation. Inorganic compounds (e.g. sodium diphosphate, sodium tetraborate) had no influence on chloroform formation. The surface active compounds (alkylpyridiniumchloride, tween 20, sodiumdodecylsulfate), the sequestering agent citric acid and milk residues were potential precursors for the haloform reaction and definitely raised the chloroform formation. The sequestering agents NTA, EDTA and the surface active compound hexadecyltrimethylammoniumbromide reduced chloroform formation. The 5 tested commercial c&d- products had very different chlorine formation potentials.