## 4 Discussion
Moreover, the continued decrease in chlorine concentration even after the bacteria were eliminated, as observed after 5 min, suggests that organic matter may play a fundamental role in reducing residual chlorine. This phenomenon could be critical for practical applications, as it demonstrates the possibility of achieving effective disinfection without leaving harmful chlorine residues. These observations are consistent with studies that emphasize the interaction of organic matter with disinfectants, which can modulate their effectiveness and residual levels [31]. In conclusion, these results provide a strong foundation for further studies aimed at applying this disinfection strategy in real-world conditions. By addressing the interplay between organic matter and chlorine reduction, future research could refine the use of EW solutions to optimize both safety and effectiveness in various applications. The findings also reveal that strains C3, C2, and SK348 were the most susceptible to EW, with survival rates of 0.11%, 0.15%, and 1.1%, respectively, after 15 min of treatment (Figure 2). Furthermore, strains 203 and 1255 exhibited comparable reductions, while strain 972 demonstrated higher survival at 2% (Figure 2). These results highlight the significant effectiveness of EW as a disinfection strategy against all strains tested, confirming its broad-spectrumactivity. Despite this, it is worth noting the variability in susceptibility, which underscores the need for future trials. Specifically, further studies should evaluate these strains using EW samples with higher FAC and different times of contact or pH to determine whether similar outcomes could be achieved. Such efforts would enhance the understanding of EW's robustness and reliability as a pathogen-control measure. When comparing the bactericidal activity of other biocides, such as benzalkonium chloride, our results indicate improved efficacy due to the concentration of this agent. Several studies have reported that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of benzalkonium chloride for Gram-negative bacteria like _E. coli_ is established at 40 ppm [33]. In addition, our results show potential in comparison with chlorine because this disinfectant with a FAC range between 0.1 and 10 ppm requires a contact time of minutes to hours to achieve a reduction in _Legionella_ population [34]. In our experiments, we achieved a comparable bacterial reduction using lower chlorine concentrations. Futures studies could explore the synergetic effect of different agents. Concerning storage, the findings highlight the immediate and sustained antimicrobial efficacy of EW, particularly when used shortly after production. As the reduction in the bacteria is below 4 log, we cannot consider a total biocidal activity. However, the product shows the capacity to contain the proliferation of the bacterial population within 10 min of contact. Such rapid activity is especially critical in environments where bacterial contamination poses immediate risks. The sustained efficacy observed over 15 min further emphasizes EW's potential for comprehensive pathogen control. For samples stored for three days, the results indicate that although the bactericidal activity remains notable, the reduction rate becomes more gradual compared to freshly prepared EW. A 95% reduction in bacterial load after 15 min demonstrates that EW retains much of its effectiveness even after storage, supporting its practicality for use in applied settings. However, the slightly diminished rate of action reinforces the importance of preparing EW on-site and promptly using it for optimal results. This aligns with findings from previous studies, which advocate against storing disinfectants and emphasize the benefits of producing EW immediately before use [35,36]. Overall, these results validate EW's practicality and efficacy as a versatile and reliable disinfectant for diverse applications.