How many iodine tablets are needed to disinfect a one-quart canteen?

To disinfect a one-quart canteen, the recommended number of iodine tablets required is two. This is based on standard military guidelines for treating water to ensure it is safe for consumption. The practice involves using the appropriate amount of iodine to achieve effective disinfection, which typically indicates that one tablet may not provide sufficient microbial kill rates, especially in potentially contaminated water sources.

Using two iodine tablets in one quart of water ensures that the concentration of iodine is adequate for effective pathogen inactivation. This standard is designed to eliminate a wide range of waterborne pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, while also considering factors like water temperature and turbidity that can affect iodine's efficacy. Therefore, adhering to the guideline of using two tablets maximizes safety in water disinfection practices.