The germ count is a measure for the quantity bacteria and fungal spores present in the water. Hardeman bases himself on the results of 500 water samples taken by Eurofins in the last year.
The drainage decree makes reuse of drain and irrigation water a necessity. However, in the re-circulation water various pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses can be present. Therefore many companies have decontamination equipment installed.
Hardeman: "Serious investments are involved. We often hear people say: a sanitizer is so expensive, it must work well." The question remains whether this is always really the case. A Sanitizer Check by Eurofins Agro answers the question: have the bacteria and fungi in the water been sufficiently eradicated? If it turns out that the sanitizer works insufficiently, measures can be taken."
Within 5 days
To check the effectiveness of a sanitizer micro-biologically, a sample is taken directly before and after the sanitizer from the tap. This has to happen sterile. The samples are then cooled and transported to the micro-biological laboratory of Eurofins Agro, where analysts determine the germ count. This is the total number of bacteria and fungi.
Within 5 days
To check the effectiveness of a sanitizer micro-biologically, a sample is taken directly before and after the sanitizer from the tap. This has to happen sterile. The samples are then cooled and transported to the micro-biological laboratory of Eurofins Agro, where analysts determine the germ count. This is the total number of bacteria and fungi.
The results of the samples before and after the tap are compared to determine the effectiveness of the sanitizer. The grower gets the results within five working days after the sample has been received in the laboratory. The report states the number of living bacteria and fungi in cfu/ml (germ forming units per ml).
Working sanitizer
"There can be various causes for these high values. A UV sanitizer can be ineffective because of a too low transmission value of the water, which has to be 75% minimally. The device could also be set up incorrectly, or it is not maintained properly. Old UV lights are often less effective."
In 2017 Eurofins Agro listed the results of 500 greenhouse horticultural samples. It showed that almost 40% of the samples had a cfu of more than 500 cfu/ml and almost 30% of the samples had a cfu higher than 1000 cfu/ml (see figure).
Working sanitizer
"There can be various causes for these high values. A UV sanitizer can be ineffective because of a too low transmission value of the water, which has to be 75% minimally. The device could also be set up incorrectly, or it is not maintained properly. Old UV lights are often less effective."
Snapshot
Sanitizer Check by Eurofins Agro is suited for all kinds of sanitizers. The method is accredited by the Commission of Accreditation (ISO 17025). This means that the analysis is very reliable and conducted according to guidelines.
Sanitizer Check by Eurofins Agro is suited for all kinds of sanitizers. The method is accredited by the Commission of Accreditation (ISO 17025). This means that the analysis is very reliable and conducted according to guidelines.
"The check is a snapshot in time," Hardeman emphasizes. "The report gives insight into the total number of bacteria and fungi. You don't know whether they are pathogens or not." He therefore advises to also research what kinds of micro-organisms are present in the water. DNA multi-scan by Eurofins Agro is a good method for this.
Hardeman thinks it also important to conduct the Sanitizer Check at least four times a year, to quickly find a malfunction in the equipment and prevent further problems.
For more information:
Eurofins Agro