Disinfectants are antimicrobial agents that are applied to non-living objects to destroy micro-organisms that are living on the object. They are different from other antimicrobial agents like antibiotics which destroys micro-organisms within the body and antiseptics, which destroys micro-organisms on living tissues. The production of disinfectant involves the following active ingredience; methanol, pine oil, carbolic acid, chloroxynol, texapon and colourant. In this project work, 5 litres of methanol was used, with 1 litre of pine oil, 100g texapon was added, 240ml of carbolic acid and 200ml of chloroxynol and 30ml of colourant were properly mixed for the production of this disinfectant. However, this project work is targeted on the cheap and easiest means of producing quality disinfectant for the control of microbes in our environment, and to help mitigate the problems of unemployment thereby making the young school leavers self –reliant.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title page i

Certification ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgement iv

Abstract v

Table of content vi

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1 Background of the study 1

1.2 Statement of problems 2

1.3 Objectives of the study 3

1.4 Scope of the study 3

1.5 Significance of the study 4

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Literature Review 5

2.1 Origin of Disinfectant 6

2.2 properties of disinfectant 7

2.3 Types of disinfectants 8

2.4 Various methods of producing disinfectants 28

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 Materials and methodology 32

3.1 Materials and reagents used 32

3.2 Procedures 33

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 Results and Discussion 35

4.1 Results 35

4.2 Discussion 35

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 Conclusion and Recommendation 37

5.1 Conclusion 37

5.2 Recommendation 38

Reference 39

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Disinfectants are antimicrobial agents that are applied to non-living object to destroy microorganisms that are living on the objects (http://www.cdc.gov). Disinfection does not necessarily kill all microorganisms, especially resistant bacteria spores; it is less effective than sterilization, which is an extreme physical and or chemical process that kills all types of life (http://www.cdc.gov).

Disinfectants are different from other antimicrobial agents such as antibiotics which destroy microorganisms within the body and antiseptics, which destroy microorganisms on living tissue. Disinfectants are also different from biocides-the latter are intended to destroy all forms of life, not just microorganisms. Disinfectants work by destroying the cell wall of microbes or interfering with the metabolism. Sanitizers are substances that simultaneously clean and disinfect (Cleaning and disinfecting, 2009).

Disinfectants are frequently used in hospitals, dental surgeries, kitchen and bathrooms to kill infectious organisms. Bacterial endospores are more resistant to disinfectants, but some viruses and bacteria also possess some tolerance. In waste water treatment, a disinfection step with chlorine, ultraviolet (UV) radiation or ozonation can be included as tertiary treatment to remove pathogens from waste water, especially if it is to be reused to irrigate golf course (Cleaning and disinfecting, 2009).

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS

Disinfectants are ideal for the killing of this microorganism. It is therefore very important for every house hold to learn on, this substance can be produced at a cheaper rate in order to be free from the nuisance caused by these microorganisms.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

To learn how to produce disinfectants in various homes rather than going for commercial ones.

To test the efficacy of the product (disinfectant) produced in this research work.

To use this production as an opportunity to acquired skills in the schools, thereby creating jobs for the unemployed and making them self- reliant.

1.4 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

Due to financial constraints, this research work is limited to the production of disinfectant.

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The result of this research work would be useful in the production of disinfectant. It will equally serve as a guide to the production of disinfectants as well as to learners.