In water treatment today, two popular chemicals are used to disinfect water: Chlorine Dioxide (ClO2) and Chlorine (Cl).
While both chemicals effectively kill harmful microorganisms, some key differences make one more suitable for specific applications.
For many years, Chlorine has been the most commonly used chemical for water treatment due to its ability to effectively kill bacteria and viruses. However, Chlorine Dioxide has emerged as a popular alternative in recent years due to its unique and superior properties.
Chlorine
Chlorine is a widely used disinfectant that has been used for over a century to treat drinking water. It is a potent oxidising agent that kills bacteria and viruses by breaking down their cell walls.
Limitations of Chlorine
However, chlorine has some drawbacks. It can react with naturally occurring organic matter in water to form harmful byproducts such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), known to cause cancer and other health problems.
Chlorine Dioxide as an Alternative
Chlorine Dioxide, on the other hand, is a more selective oxidising agent that is effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.
Benefits of Chlorine Dioxide
Unlike Chlorine, Chlorine Dioxide does not react with organic matter in water to form harmful byproducts. It also has a shorter half-life than chlorine, which means it remains active for a shorter period, reducing the risk of over-disinfection.
Chlorine Dioxide is also effective at lower concentrations than chlorine, requiring less chemical usage and producing fewer harmful byproducts. This makes it a more environmentally friendly option than chlorine.
Chlorine vs Chlorine Dioxide: Which One to Choose?
Which one is better for water treatment?
The answer depends on the specific application. Chlorine is still the most widely used disinfectant for water treatment due to its low cost and long-term effectiveness. However, Chlorine Dioxide is becoming increasingly popular as a disinfectant, particularly in applications where byproduct formation is a concern, such as in the treatment of drinking water, wastewater and industrial process water.
Chlorine Dioxide-Based Solutions: A Smart Choice
If you’re looking for an effective disinfection solution, consider Chlorine Dioxide or chlorine. Both have their pros and cons, but Chlorine Dioxide-based technology is rapidly becoming the solution of many developers, consultants, specifiers, EPC contractors, utility companies, and plant operators, to deliver complete solutions that meet their unique needs.
For reliable and safe disinfection solutions, be sure to explore our Chlorine Dioxide-based solutions. Our team of experts can help you find the perfect solution for your unique needs.
If you’re interested in learning more about our Chlorine Dioxide dosing systems or water treatment solutions, explore our website or get in touch with our experts on today by calling +44 (0)1573 226901 or email: enquiries@scotmas.com.
