Disinfection

Goals
Render pathogenic organisms harmless Leave residual to take care of organisms in distribution system

Disinfection:
Disinfection is typically the last step in a water / wastewater treatment system Residual chlorine is needed in distribution system after water / wastewater treatment In addition to disinfection, chlorine also has the following functions:
taste and odor control as an oxidizing agent oxidation of Fe2+ and Mn2+ in groundwater ammonium removal in domestic waste treatment slime, biofouling control

Killing of Pathogenic Bacteria in Water

Types of Disinfection
Gaseous Cl2
Most commonly used Advantage: provide residual chlorine for the protection from bacterial growth in distribution system Disadvantage: The formation of disinfection by-products (trihalomethanes) presents a health risk

Chlorine dioxide (ClO2):

Ca(ClO)2: Ozone UV

No disinfection by-products such as trihalomethanes Safer than Cl2

Chemistry of Chlorine in Water

Cl2 + H2O H+ + Cl- + HOCl
HOCl is a weak acid with Ka = 4.5x10-4 (HOCl == H+ + OCl-) HOCl and OCl- are free available chlorine which are very effective in killing bacteria Chloramine: NH2Cl, NHCl2, NCl3 Chloramines (combined available chlorine) are weaker disinfectants than free available chlorine but are desired residual chlorine to be retained in water distribution system

Small amount of ammonium (NH4+) in water is desired

Excessive amount of ammonium (NH4+) in water is undesirable because it consume excess demand of Cl2 Extra chlorine may be removed by SO2 , a process called dechlorination:
SO2 + HOCl + H2O Cl- + SO42- + 3H+

Process of chlorination
Chlorination is done by dissolving gaseous chlorine in water through the ejector system. Solubility of chlorine in water is approximately 7000 ppm. Chlorine is a strong oxidising agent. The effect of chlorine in water are: Disinfection Destruction of organic matter Control of slime and algae Control of Iron, Manganese and Sulphate reducing bacteria Control of the colour, odour and taste of water.

1. 2. 3. 4.
5.

Reactions of Chlorine in Water

Chlorine hydrolyses in water to form hypochlorous acid and the hypochlorite ion. Cl2 + H2 O HOCl + HCl This reaction occurs readily at pH >3.0 Further, HOCl H+ + OClThis reaction is favoured by high pH. The prime oxidising agent is HOCl and to a much lower degree OCl- ion. Hence as pH increases, the effectiveness of chlorine decreases.

Chlorine Demand is the difference between the amount of Chlorine applied to a water and the free residual chlorine that remains after a certain contact time. Breakpoint Chlorination is the addition of Chlorine to water until the chlorine demand has been satisfied. Any further addition of chlorine produce a residual directly proportional to the amount added.

Break point chlorination is to be adopted when treating water of very high ammonia and organic contents.

Alternatives of Chlorination
Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) Available Chlorine is 12 15%. Feasible in coastal plants where brine and power are easily available. Bleaching Powder Solid. Available chlorine is ~ 30%. Increases the calcium content of water. Tends to form slime. Ozone Good option for drinking water. Highly unsatable. Has to be prepared in situ. Lower persistency. Bromination For high pH waters. Chemical biocides Proprietary chemicals for specified targeted use.