Evaluation of a Fenton reaction–based fungicide for disinfection of moldy houses in the evacuation zone of the Great East Japan Earthquake: Lab and field tests. Issue 4 (August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tokumura, Masahiro; Shinohara, Naohide; Kazama, Misae; Hashimoto, Kazuhiro; Kawakami, Yuji
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental chemical engineering. Volume 9:Issue 4(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-08
• Subjects: Fenton reaction -- Fungus -- Disinfection -- Mold -- The Great East Japan Earthquake; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects; Environmental engineering; Periodicals; 660.0286
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2021.105485
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-2929

Abstract

Abstract: Houses damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake that have severe mold problems should be disinfected before or immediately after residents are allowed to return permanently. In this study, the efficacy of a fungicide based on the Fenton reaction was evaluated in lab and field tests. Use of Fenton's reagent successfully disinfected aqueous solutions containing five species of fungi ( Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus penicillioides, Aspergillus restrictus, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, and Wallemia sebi ). Spraying Fenton's reagent solutions (ferrous ions [pH = 3] and hydrogen peroxide [pH = 3]) onto the surface of wood samples inoculated with C. sphaerospermum significantly suppressed fungal growth (mold cover = 12–27%) compared with spraying distilled water (82–97%) or a hydrogen peroxide solution (73–80%). Field tests were performed in two houses in the evacuation area in Fukushima, Japan to evaluate fungicidal activity in a home environment. The airborne fungal counts of C. sphaerospermum, Penicillium, Aspergillus westerdijkiae, Alternaria, Fusarium, Aspergillus versicolor, and Eurotium were strongly decreased by spraying the Fenton's reagent solutions (except for C. sphaerospermum in House B) (median disinfection rate = 99%). Fungi growing on floor and sink surfaces were inactivated by spraying with Fenton's reagent solutions (except for Cladosporium spp. in House A and Aspergillus restrictus in House B) (median disinfection rate = 50–98%). Thus, Fenton reaction–based fungicides may be effective for remediation of mold problems in houses. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Highlights: The efficacy of a Fenton reaction–based fungicide was evaluated. In an aqueous solution, Fenton's reagent solutions inactivated five species of fungi. Spraying with Fenton's reagent solutions suppressed growth of fungi on a wood sample. Spraying with Fenton's reagent solutions decreased airborne fungal counts in houses. Spraying with Fenton's reagent solutions inactivated fungi on floors and sinks.