Water Treatment

History

Chlorine dioxide’s use for potable water disinfection dates back to 1944 and has since been widely accepted as a versatile, effective, and more environmentally friendly disinfecting alternative for various large-scale commercial applications. Pre- and post-oxidation chlorine dioxide disinfection helps to produce clean water with low turbidity, a standard measurement for water quality, through pre-oxidation treatment to remove algae, bacteria, etc. and post-oxidation treatment to remove inorganic

components, like manganese and iron, pathogens (including chlorine-resistant pathogens), like Giardia and Cryptosporidium, and to reduce and prevent the production of trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAA) that are not safe for consumption. It also functions as a water deodorizer and taste remover with a residual effect, meaning that, where other disinfectants like Ozone allow for the regrowth of bacteria and biofilm once it self-decomposes, chlorine dioxide remains active and, therefore, in effect, for longer periods of time.

Because only a small dose of chlorine dioxide is necessary for effective potable water treatment, fewer by-products are produced. Chlorine dioxide decomposes into chloride—a human safe ion such as that in table salt. Its other DBPs (disinfection byproducts), chlorite and chlorate, are typically monitored for safety levels.

What Exactly is Chlorine Dioxide?

And How Does It Work?

Chlorine dioxide—not to be mistaken with chlorineis a yellowish-green gas that rapidly decomposes when in contact with the air but remains a true gas at room temperature and a dissolved gas in a solution. Due to its high reactivity and its ability to work under a wide pH range, it remains an extremely versatile chemical with powerful antimicrobial properties and deodorizing capabilities with just small quantities. This basically means that less is more when it comes to using chlorine dioxide in comparison to other similar types of disinfecting chemicals. You don't need much to pack a punch.

Its unstable nature typically requires it to be produced on-site at industrial facilities for immediate use under strict guidelines in order to avoid dangerous levels of exposure to the general public. But, with a considerable amount of research & design, we've now made this chemical available to the baseline consumer in a cosmetically elegant way, to be used within the home, public spaces, or wherever you are on a day-to-day basis.

How does it differ from chlorine?

Chlorine, sodium hypochlorite (bleach), and hypochlorous acid (EOW, elctrolyzed water) tend to generate cancer causing by-products such as THMs, HAAs, and chloramine after disinfection without the same effectiveness at killing pathogens as chlorine dioxide. Chlorine dioxide, especially at the level needed for effectiveness, produces fewer disinfecting byproducts (DBPs), and decomposes into chlorite, chlorate, and chloride—a human safe ion such as of that in table salt. (Note: chlorite and chlorate can pose health risks, however, at low and monitored chlorine dioxide concentrations, the levels are well within safety limits!)

Chlorine dioxide, in low concentrations, is harmless to humans while still capable of killing and inactivating viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens. It rapidly breaks down, long enough to inactivate the pathogenic material, but not long enough to penetrate deeply into living tissue. Basically, it's gentle but effective on the skin at the appropriate concentrations!

chlorine vs chlorine dioxide (typically in water treatment)

Chlorine

Advantages

  • Effective for most microorganisms
  • Keeps a residual in distribution system
  • Relatively easy to use in hypochlorite form

Disadvantages

  • Forms DBPs when organic substances are present
  • Not effective against Cryptosporidium
  • Can cause taste and odor problems

vs

Chlorine dioxide

Advantages

  • More effective than chlorine as a disinfectant against microorganisms
  • Controls taste and odor better than chlorine
  • Forms less THMs and HAAs than chlorine

Disadvantages

  • Traditionally must be produced on site
  • Forms chlorite and chlorate

View the other industrial applications of chlorine dioxide

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Food Processing

Disinfection of Airports

Agriculture

Industrial Facilities

Healthcare

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Scientific journals, articles, and more resources to check out regarding chlorine dioxide & the latest developments in CLO2 knowledge and research as well as current nationwide health updates:

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