The Science Behind Freezing Ionized Water
Ionized water, particularly alkaline ionized water, is known for two primary characteristics: its elevated pH level and its negative Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP). The negative ORP indicates the water's antioxidant properties, which are largely attributed to the presence of dissolved molecular hydrogen. Freezing water, whether ionized or not, initiates a phenomenon known as 'cryoconcentration'. As water molecules form a crystalline ice lattice, they push dissolved substances, such as minerals and gas molecules, into the remaining unfrozen liquid.
When the water is fully frozen, these concentrated ions become trapped within the ice structure. The real change, however, occurs during and after the thawing process. The dissolved molecular hydrogen, a volatile gas, can easily escape from the water during freezing. The resulting ice cubes and the water after they melt will have a drastically reduced ORP, often shifting to a positive value, effectively losing their antioxidant capacity. The pH level will also drop considerably, though it will likely remain somewhat alkaline depending on the initial concentration and mineral content.
Impact on pH and ORP
Numerous experiments have shown that the antioxidant potential (ORP) is the most vulnerable property of ionized water when subjected to freezing. In one test, alkaline ionized water with a pH of 11.25 and an ORP of -853 was frozen and then thawed. The results showed the pH dropped to 9.96 and the ORP plummeted to a positive +102, completely neutralizing its antioxidant value. This demonstrates that while the water remains filtered and retains some alkalinity, its primary health-related properties are severely diminished.
Can Freezing Damage My Ionizer?
One common concern is whether freezing ionized water can harm your equipment. Freezing is not recommended in electric hydrogen water bottles or ionizers, as the water expansion can cause physical damage to the device, including cracking containers or damaging electrodes. For general-purpose water ionizers, you should never put the device itself in the freezer. When freezing ionized water for storage, always use a separate, freezer-safe container.
How to Properly Store Ionized Water (Fresh vs. Frozen)
To preserve the potency of ionized water, proper storage is crucial. The two primary factors that cause degradation are exposure to air and light, both of which accelerate the loss of ORP.
Best practices for storage:
- Use an airtight, opaque container, preferably glass.
- Fill the container to the very top to minimize air gaps and prevent gas from escaping.
- Store the container in a cool, dark location, such as a refrigerator.
- For optimal potency, consume the water within 24 to 72 hours.
For those who insist on freezing, filling an ice cube tray is an option, but it's important to accept that the water will be of much lower quality after thawing. Some proponents suggest using ionized water for non-critical applications, such as preserving food flavors before freezing, but its use as a therapeutic drink is best served fresh.
| Feature | Fresh Ionized Water | Frozen/Thawed Ionized Water |
|---|---|---|
| pH Level | Elevated (e.g., pH 8.5-11.5) | Reduced (e.g., drops to ~9-10) |
| ORP (Antioxidant Potential) | Negative (powerful antioxidant) | Positive (neutralized antioxidant) |
| Dissolved Molecular Hydrogen | High concentration | Significantly reduced or absent |
| Best Use | Direct drinking for health benefits | As regular ice cubes; minimal benefit |
| Container | Airtight, opaque glass | Any freezer-safe container |
| Storage Time | 24-72 hours optimal | Indefinitely, but potency is lost early |
Conclusion
While you can physically freeze ionized water, the process fundamentally alters its key properties. Freezing causes the loss of dissolved molecular hydrogen and the migration of ions, which significantly diminishes the water's negative Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP) and lowers its alkaline pH. For those seeking the full health benefits, consuming fresh ionized water is the only effective method. Storing it in an airtight, opaque, and non-reactive container like glass in the refrigerator can preserve some potency for a short period. Ultimately, freezing is an inefficient way to preserve the desired qualities of ionized water, as the result is essentially a downgraded version of its fresh state.
For more detailed information on water ionization and storage best practices, consult with the resources provided by reputable water ionizer manufacturers or research papers on cryoconcentration and pH stability.
