Effects of swimming pool sanitizing chemicals on turf grass.

Abstract

Chlorine or bromine-based chemicals are commonly used in swimming pools as sanitizing and oxidizing agents. Chlorine or bromine concentrations of 1.0 to 1.5 ug/mL and pH 7.2 to 7.8 are recommended for swimming pools. Chlodne is a strong oxidizing agent and will react with many different types of inorganic and organic species (Dychdala 1977). Chlorine solutions (hypochlorite ion/hypochlorous acid) inactivate microbes on contact (Dychdala 1977). While trace concentrations of chlorine are essential for plant growth (Broyer et al 1954), higher concentrations have caused injury to plants (Berstein 1975). Other investigators also have reported on chlorine as a phytotoxic pollutant (Brennan et al. 1965; 1969; Hindawi 1968). Kentucky blue grass (Poa pratensis L.) was reported to be damaged by accidental release of chlorine gas (Brennan et al. 1969). Plants vary widely in their CI contents, even in uncontaminated areas (Curtis et al. 1977).