Water disinfection system with pure hypochlorous acid (PHA) in Mexico
Pure hypochlorous acid (PHA) disinfects your irrigation water without harming the crop or the system. Compatible with drip, micro-sprinkling and NFT. Reduces biofilm and root diseases.
The problem: pathogens and biofilm in irrigation water
In modern greenhouses, irrigation water quality is decisive for crop health and system efficiency. A minimal presence of pathogens, biofilm or residues can trigger serious problems, from root diseases to irrigation system blockages.
That is why more and more agricultural professionals in Mexico are interested in advanced disinfection solutions, among which pure hypochlorous acid (PHA) systems are gaining ground.
What is pure hypochlorous acid and why is it effective in agriculture?
Pure hypochlorous acid (PHA) is a highly effective, biodegradable and safe disinfectant positioned as a superior technical alternative to conventional chlorine in agriculture. It is generated from water, salt and electricity through electrolysis, and its great advantage is that it can be applied directly in irrigation systems without affecting plant health or degrading system components.
In agriculture, especially in greenhouses and hydroponic facilities, its biocidal effectiveness lies in its ability to eliminate bacteria, fungi, viruses, algae and biofilm without generating toxic residues or altering crop balance. It acts quickly and is compatible with international sanitary standards.
Differences between PHA and traditional chlorine in agricultural disinfection
Although both pure hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite (liquid chlorine) are forms of active chlorine, their properties and effects in the agricultural environment are very different:
PHA is chemically neutral or slightly acidic and its biocidal efficacy is greater at optimal pH; traditional chlorine depends on an alkaline range to remain stable, which reduces its effectiveness under real conditions.
Hypochlorite can be corrosive to pipes, drippers and tanks; PHA is gentler on irrigation system materials.
PHA does not generate dangerous by-products such as chloramines or trihalomethanes.
PHA can be generated in situ, eliminating the handling of hazardous chemicals and the storage of perishable products.
Benefits of pure hypochlorous acid in hydroponic and greenhouse crops
Continuous disinfection without altering crop balance.
Reduction of biofilm that clogs emitters and harbors resistant bacteria.
Effective control of fungi and algae, without phytotoxicity or plant stress.
Compatibility with sensors and automation for stable disinfection without manual intervention.
Safe reuse of drainage, key to greater operational sustainability.
How do PHA disinfection systems work?
The systems are designed to ensure pathogen-free water without compromising crop health or damaging the irrigation system. There are two valid approaches:
In situ generation by electrolysis
Water, salt (NaCl) and electric current are combined to generate a solution rich in PHA, dosed directly into the irrigation line with controlled concentration and pH.
Advantages:
- Real-time disinfection: fresh PHA, maximum biocidal efficacy.
- Simple logistics: no transport or storage of chemicals.
- Adjustable production: regulation of concentration, pH and volume.
Lower total long-term cost: salt as an input makes it economical and sustainable.
Ideal for producers seeking autonomy, operational safety and alignment with sustainable agricultural practices.
Stabilized ready-to-use solutions
Liquid formulations ready to apply, useful in small facilities or for punctual supply without generating PHA in situ.
- Advantages: quick implementation, no specialized equipment; ideal as a temporary or backup solution.
- Limitations: reduced shelf life, dependence on suppliers and higher cumulative costs in the long term.
Key factors for choosing your PHA system
Selecting the right system is not just about comparing brands or prices. Integration, protection level and performance under real operating conditions must be analyzed.
Efficacy against biofilm, fungi and root diseases
Biofilm forms a matrix that harbors bacteria, fungi and algae that clog the system and act as a reservoir of diseases. PHA penetrates and disrupts this organic matrix, eliminating microorganisms even under difficult conditions, without being corrosive to the system.
Compatibility with drip irrigation or NFT
Hypochlorite can cause scaling, degrade plastics and alter substrate pH. In contrast, PHA does not cause corrosion, does not alter the substrate and integrates well into recirculations or continuous irrigation without toxic residues.
Control of critical parameters: pH and ORP (≥ 650 mV)
For maximum effectiveness:
- Water pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
- ORP equal to or greater than 650 mV.
Modern systems allow these values to be measured and adjusted in real time with sensors and controllers, facilitating traceability and sanitary compliance.
Implementation and maintenance of pure hypochlorous acid (PHA) systems
Is it better to generate PHA in situ or buy stabilized solutions?
- Small scales or specific needs: stabilized solutions can be useful as backup.
- Medium and large greenhouses: in situ generation of pure hypochlorous acid (PHA) offers greater autonomy, safety and treatment continuity.
Variables to consider in a PHA investment for your crop
The cost of implementing a pure hypochlorous acid (PHA) system depends on factors such as region, available water type, irrigation flow and desired automation level. Each project must be analyzed individually and with expert supervision to define the most suitable solution.
Operational savings and technical benefits observed in the field
Fewer corrective applications.
Less wear on pipes and emitters.
Safe reuse of drainage.
Lower residual chemical load in the crop and the environment.
Systems and solutions we offer at Hydroponic Systems
We have years of experience supporting agricultural producers in Mexico in implementing advanced technologies for irrigation water management. We do not sell standalone equipment: we design complete solutions.
We generate pure PHA without by-products, directly in your system
Our generators produce PHA on-site through electrolysis (water + salt + electricity). We obtain pure PHA, free of harmful by-products and with high germicidal efficacy. We integrate pH and ORP control to maintain biocidal activity without compromising plants or materials.
Solutions adapted to your greenhouse
Configurations based on size, irrigation type and automation level. From compact equipment to high-capacity for continuous operation. Integration with sensors and remote monitoring. We provide commissioning, calibration, training and technical support.
Objective: install a robust and durable solution, compatible with your processes.
Field experience: tomato, lettuce and more
Successful applications in tomato, leafy vegetables (lettuce), strawberry, pepper and ornamentals.
Observed results:
- Clear reduction of root diseases, especially under high humidity or recirculation.
- Elimination of biofilm in irrigation lines, improving pressure and uniformity.
- Lower dependence on chemicals and simpler phytosanitary management.
- Safe reuse of drainage water.
Recommendations for choosing the best disinfection system
Each greenhouse has its own conditions and objectives. We evaluate from a technical, not just commercial, perspective. When the system is properly sized and integrated, benefits appear from the first cycle.
Technical criteria according to greenhouse size and crop type
Pre-diagnosis to define:
- PHA generator production capacity.
- Optimal location in the hydraulic system.
- Concentrations and parameters to control.
- Possibility of reusing drainage and integration with other treatment technologies.
Integration with automation and remote monitoring
Precise control of ORP and pH without manual adjustments. Alarm programming, real-time display and adjustment of PHA production to changing water or crop conditions. Result: more operational safety, time savings and efficiency.
Implementation process
- Diagnosis of water quality and sanitary risk.
- Sizing of flows and microbial loads.
- Hydraulic and electrical integration engineering.
- Installation and functional testing.
- Calibration of pH/ORP setpoints.
- Team training and SOPs.
- Monitoring and fine adjustments in the first
How does pure hypochlorous acid (PHA) act against biofilm?
Biofilm is a biological matrix that protects bacteria, fungi and algae, hindering the action of conventional disinfectants.
Pure hypochlorous acid (PHA) can penetrate this structure and destabilize it, eliminating the microorganisms it harbors without affecting pipes, drippers or tanks. Unlike other disinfectants, it can be applied continuously, keeping irrigation lines clean and reducing the risk of blockages.
To determine the exact dosage and application frequency, it is recommended to have an expert analysis based on water type and crop.
What technical parameters should I control to maintain PHA effectiveness?
The effectiveness of pure hypochlorous acid (PHA) largely depends on operating conditions. It is essential to maintain water pH between 5.5 and 6.5 so that PHA remains in its active form, and ensure an ORP (oxidation-reduction potential) equal to or greater than 650 mV to guarantee its germicidal power.
Modern systems allow these parameters to be measured and adjusted in real time through sensors and controllers connected to monitoring platforms. These values may vary depending on crop type and source water quality, so technical supervision is essential to maintain stable control.
Is PHA compatible with my existing irrigation system?
Yes. Pure hypochlorous acid (PHA) is compatible with most irrigation systems, including drip, micro-sprinkling and NFT. Its non-corrosive nature prevents damage to plastics, pipes or emitters, and it does not cause scaling or dangerous by-products.
This makes it a suitable solution for both traditional greenhouses and high-tech hydroponic facilities.
However, each system has particularities regarding flow, materials and hydraulic design. Therefore, it is always advisable to conduct a technical field review before integration.
What difference does PHA have compared to liquid chlorine or hypochlorite?
Although liquid chlorine and pure hypochlorous acid (PHA) belong to the same chemical family, their properties in the agricultural environment are very different. Hypochlorite requires alkaline conditions to be effective, while PHA maintains superior germicidal activity at pH ranges closer to real irrigation conditions.
In addition, hypochlorite can be corrosive and generate by-products such as chloramines or trihalomethanes, which are undesirable in agriculture. In contrast, PHA acts quickly, leaves no dangerous residues and is safe for both plants and operators.
The decision to replace liquid chlorine with PHA should be technically evaluated according to the type of installation and crop.
What is the cost of implementing a PHA system?
The cost of a pure hypochlorous acid (PHA) system is not standard: it depends on variables such as region, available water quality, greenhouse scale and required automation level.
For example, it is not the same to design a system for a large-scale tomato greenhouse as for an NFT lettuce facility. In addition, each source water has a different microbial load, which influences the required PHA generation capacity.
Therefore, rather than talking about a single price, it is essential to carry out an individualized diagnosis with an expert, who evaluates real conditions and proposes the most efficient and safe solution for each producer.
Request more information about our PHA disinfection systems
At Hydroponic Systems we understand that irrigation water sanitary control cannot be left to chance. We develop solutions that combine technology + technical knowledge + support to disinfect water with efficiency, safety and sustainability.