PERFORMANCE OF A NEW POLYMERIC WATER DISINFECTANT

A new insoluble N-halamine polymeric disinfectant material has been te sted in a water filter application to determine (1) its tendencies to leach undesirable decomposition products, (2) its range of potential a pplicability, and (3) its regenerability. In flowing water tests, -1,3 -dichloro-5-methyl-5-(4'-vinylphenyl)hydantoin (Poly-I) leached only s mall amounts of total organic carbon, free and total chlorine, anions, and volatile organics such as trihalomethanes. Furthermore, Poly-I pr ovided bactericidal efficacy over the pH range 4.5 to 9.5 and at tempe ratures as high as 37 degrees C. Poly-I is deactivated by reducing age nts such as sodium thiosulfate and by ethanol; following deactivation, it can be regenerated by exposure to flowing aqueous free chlorine. P oly-I appears suitable for use as a biocidal filter for small potable and recreational waters, for it is effective over a wide pH and temper ature range and is readily regenerable. It would not be useful, howeve r, for disinfection of large bodies of water such as in city treatment plants because of its cost and the large amount of the material that would be necessary.