抄録
Electrolyzed oxidizing (EO) water, also known as Denkaisui in Japan, or electro-chemically activated water (ECA or ECAW), is a solution generated by passing a dilute salt solution (NaCl and KCl are commonly used) through an electrolytic cell. The anode side of an electrolytic cell, from which acidic EO water is obtained, produces various chlorine compounds and ions such as hypochlorous acid (HOCl), hypochlorite ion (OCl-) and chlorine gas (Cl2), which are all collectively known as free chlorine. HOCl is the main antimicrobial agent present in EO water. EO water generally has a low pH (2.3 – 2.7) and a high oxidation – reduction potential (ORP) (> 1000 mV).
On the cathode side of the electrolytic cell, a dilute solution of NaOH is generated, and this is sometimes referred to as electrolyzed reducing (ER) water. Unlike EO water, the principal use of ER water is not in the reduction of microbial numbers. Instead, ER water is mainly used as a degreaser and cleanser. Additionally, work has been done on the health benefits of ER water in terms of cancer prevention, wound care, skin care and also as drinking water for improving digestion and cow milk production. Chemically, ER water is characterized as having a high pH (10-11.5) and a low ORP (-800 to -900 mV).
