PPW730

WATER TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES

Assignment (4)
Chapter (12) Summary

Proposed to / Dr. Hisham Abd-El Halim

Prepared by/ Noor Mohammed Anter

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING, CAIRO UNIVERSITY

GIZA, EGYPT
Fall 2023
 Chapter 11 – CHEMICAL OXIDATION

11.1. Introduction
Chemical oxidants play a crucial role in water treatment, effectively targeting a wide
range of contaminants and improving overall water quality. Let's dive deeper into the
intricacies of chemical oxidants and their application in water treatment:

11.2. Purpose of Chemical Oxidants

The Oxidation of Inorganic and Organic Compounds: Chemical oxidants are pivotal in
oxidizing various substances such as ferrous iron, manganous manganese, sulfide, and
hazardous synthetic organic compounds like trichloroethylene (TCE) and atrazine. This
process helps to convert these substances into more manageable forms or completely
eliminate them.

Removal of Undesirable Properties: These oxidants are utilized to eliminate undesirable

qualities in water, including tastes, odors, and colors, enhancing the aesthetic quality of
treated water.

Biocidal Properties: Chemical oxidants act as disinfectants, controlling microbial growth

and meeting disinfection standards. They are especially effective against algae and other
nuisance aquatic organisms.

11.3. Common Chemical Oxidants

Chlorine: Widely used due to its effectiveness as a disinfectant. However, concerns about
disinfection by-product formation have led to its alternatives.

Ozone: An unstable gas that needs to be generated on-site. It's effective for oxidizing a
wide range of compounds and is used in conjunction with other treatments for improved
efficacy.

Chlorine Dioxide: Highly effective but can be unstable at high concentrations, requiring
careful handling.

Permanganate: Commercially available in crystalline form, it's fed into the solution
directly or prepared onsite for dosing into water.

PPW730 2 Chapter (12) Summary

The following image shows a detailed comparison between different oxidants

11.4. Disinfection By-Products (DBPs)

The formation of disinfection by-products is a major concern in water treatment. Factors
affecting DBP formation include reaction time, disinfectant dose, pH, temperature,
precursor material, bromide levels, and seasonal variations. Strategies to control DBP
concentrations include minimizing precursor material, adjusting disinfectant dose, and
removal techniques after their formation.

11.5. Challenges and Removal of DBPs

DBPs are often hydrophilic and low in molecular weight, making their removal
challenging. Biodegradable DBPs can be removed through biologically active filtration,

PPW730 3 Chapter (12) Summary

while others may require air stripping or GAC adsorption for effective removal. Removal
strategies vary based on the specific DBP and the water treatment process.

11.6. Comparative Analysis of Different Oxidants

Different oxidants present unique advantages and challenges in water treatment. For
instance:

Chlorine: Widely used but faces concerns regarding disinfection by-products.

Ozone: Effective but needs on-site generation and additional treatment processes for
optimal efficacy.

Chlorine Dioxide: Powerful oxidant but requires careful handling due to instability at
high concentrations.

Permanganate: Commercially available and suitable for specific applications but may
require careful dosing and handling.

11.7. Conclusion
Chemical oxidants play a critical role in water treatment, serving various purposes from
disinfection to oxidation of contaminants. However, their use requires careful
consideration of by-product formation and removal strategies to ensure safe and high-
quality treated water. Each oxidant has its strengths and limitations, demanding tailored
approaches for optimal effectiveness in water treatment applications.

PPW730 4 Chapter (12) Summary