SCIENCE

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) were first proposed in the 1980s for drinking water treatment and later were widely studied for treatment of different wastewaters. In a general definition, physicochemical procedures which promote in situ generation of free hydroxyl radicals as highly oxidative reagents for the decomposition of pollutants in water or air are described as “advanced oxidation processes”. 

These oxidation processes begin with one or a combination of any three different reagents: ozone, hydrogen peroxide or an alternate source of oxygen, like Sodium Hypochlorite. They are  implemented either combined with each other or applied with UV irradiation and/or various kinds of catalysts homogeneously and heterogeneously. Due to the generation of increased amounts of OH radicals, combination of two or more AOPs usually leads to higher oxidation rates. 

There is a tight in-plane M-O (mineral/metal-oxygen) chemical bond while weak out-of-plane Van der Waals interactions between adjacent Cl-Cl (chloride ions) layers. 

The structures of the mineral oxychlorides in aqueous media, [(MxOyClz)(Aq)], support their high-efficiency photocatalytic activity for water splitting and generation of highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) that maximize their application as an advanced oxidation process (AOP) and powerful water treatment chemical. The molecules are purposely designed to be weakly bound together such that when it comes in contact with inorganics, microorganisms and organic matter, it readily gives off oxygen atoms that aggressively oxidize all desired contaminants. 

Unlike the well-known fungicide copper oxychloride [Cu4(OH)6Cl2], whose inhibitory activity is based on copper's antifungal effectiveness, the reactive oxygen species are the active agents in the mineral oxychloride solution when it interacts with water. 

The technology of disinfection and oxidation has not advanced in more than 30 years. Outdated protocols for water & agriculture treatments are not able to eliminate biologic growth in filtration systems, on ultraviolet systems, nor within distribution systems.

• There are over 900 toxic chemicals listed for water treatment alone.  Using toxicity brings side-effects such as DBPs (disinfection by-products) that are proven to be dangerous (carcinogenic) to humans and animals.  ROS does not have those problems.
• Contaminated water issues can be extreme with bacteria & viruses, invasive species and mold. The volume of toxic chemicals needed to attack these culprits is daunting.  Using ROS...those threats are eliminated.
• Today's wastewaters consist of emerging contaminants and organic pollutants. Violent pathogens such as flesh-eating bacteria, cryptosporidium, giardia, legionella, and listeria are treated successfully upon contact using ROS.  Toxicity struggles with eliminating extremely, violent pathogens.

MINLOX™ has improved the technology of disinfection and oxidation by mimicking nature. Nature utilizes a variety of “reactive oxygen species” (ROS) while using specific minerals and metals to aid in the distribution of ROS thus acting as catalysts for ROS reactions against microbes and organic contaminants. MINLOX™ advances disinfection technology by translating what nature does into a simple-to-use, liquid formula. The result...is a disinfection ability, for the management of viruses, bacteria, molds and biofilm that is more than 12 times that of conventional chlorine treatments.  It far exceeds peroxides and provides a residual protection that ozone is not capable of.    

 MINLOX™ as stated, is a unique mixture of minerals and oxygen in liquid form. When it comes in contact with pathogens or organic contaminants, it releases Nascent Oxygen. This “release as needed” property of MINLOX™ offers a strong downstream residual to continue disinfecting.

What is Nascent Oxygen?  Oxygen, as it occurs naturally, is a compound of two atoms of oxygen. Nascent Oxygen refers to making available a single atom of oxygen. 

Why Nascent Oxygen?  It provides the highest efficiency of oxidation. Oxidation is an aggressive reaction that dramatically changes the physical properties of a target compound.  Of the many elements that will cause oxidation reactions...Nascent Oxygen is the most aggressive agent and gives the added bonus of not producing toxic by-products.  For pathogen control, the amount of Nascent Oxygen necessary to kill pathogens is much less than other oxidants or disinfectants.