Researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have identified 2,6-dichlorobenzoquinone (2,6-DCQ) as a highly effective and environmentally friendly disinfectant. The study reveals 2,6-DCQ’s superior efficacy and rapid degradability, marking a notable advancement in public health and ecological preservation.
In a stunning breakthrough, researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have discovered a promising new disinfectant, 2,6-dichlorobenzoquinone (2,6-DCQ), which offers a greener and significantly more effective alternative to the widely used chloroxylenol.
Addressing a Growing Concern
Chloroxylenol, extensively used globally, poses eco-toxicological risks in aquatic environments due to its high chemical stability and widespread use.
Recognizing this, Zhang Xiangru, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at HKUST, and his team embarked on a journey to find a safer and more efficient disinfectant.
“We discovered that the selected DBP exhibited substantially stronger antimicrobial efficacy than chloroxylenol and that its concentration and associated developmental toxicity in receiving seawater decreased rapidly, even in darkness,” Zhang said in a news release.
An Innovative Solution
The team’s research identified 2,6-DCQ as a disinfectant 9-22 times more effective than chloroxylenol in combating various pathogens, including E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and bacteriophage MS2.
What sets 2,6-DCQ apart is its rapid degradation and detoxification in water, drastically reducing its eco-toxicological impact.
“Chloroxylenol has been frequently detected in aquatic environments; for instance, its concentration has reached up to 10.6 μg/L in river water in Hong Kong,” Zhang added, highlighting the urgency for a safer alternative. “Toxicological studies have reported adverse effects of chloroxylenol on aquatic organisms, including endocrine disruption, embryonic mortality and malformations.”
Environmental and Public Health Impact
Published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, the study has far-reaching implications for enhancing both environmental sustainability and public health safety.
The quick degradation of 2,6-DCQ in seawater, even without sunlight, results in significantly lower developmental toxicity compared to chloroxylenol.
“This innovative study not only provides a potential solution to better support human biosecurity while prioritizing environmental sustainability, but also carries significant implications for the development of green disinfectants and other green industrial products,” added Zhang.
Future Prospects
Co-authored by Han Jiarui and LI Wanxin, the study advocates for the broader application of 2,6-DCQ across various sectors, including personal care products, medical sanitation and public space disinfection.
Zhang looks forward to leveraging machine learning to further optimize disinfectants by understanding the molecular fingerprints that influence both their potency and degradability.
As the world continues to seek solutions that balance health safety with ecological preservation, HKUST’s discovery of 2,6-DCQ stands as a testament to the impact that innovative research can have on our global community.