Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
TABLE 16-3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Oxidants Used in Water Treatment
Oxidant
Advantages
Disadvantages
Chlorine
Strong oxidant
Reacts with naturally occurring organics and inorgancs in
water to form undesirable DBPs
•
•
Economical
•
Versatile
Hazards associated with using chlorine gas
•
•
Simple operation
May cause taste and odor problems
•
•
Provides persistent residual that is easy to measure and
control
•
Extensive track record of successful use
•
Chloramines
No THM formation
Weak oxidant
•
•
Relatively simple operation
May lead to nitrification problems in distribution system
•
•
Provides persistent residual
Produces TOX
•
•
Extensive track record of successful use
•
Chlorine Dioxide
Strong oxidant
Relatively high cost
•
•
Versatile
Must be generated on-site
•
•
Does not produce halogenated DBPs (unless chlorine
present as impurity)
Produces chlorite, a regulated DBP
•
•
Difficult to maintain a residual
•
Does not react with ammonia
May produce undesirable odors
•
•
Residual may be stripped by aeration
May produce biodegradable organic material that must be
controlled
•
•
Potassium Permanganate
Simple operation
Only moderately strong oxidant
•
•
Does not produce halogenated DBPs
High chemical cost
•
•
Slow reaction time for some applications
•
Can lead to pink water if dosage not carefully controlled
•
Produces manganese dioxide which must be removed
•
Does not provide a persistent residual
•
