Disinfection alternatives to control corrosion on water systems.

Abstract

Disinfection is one of the most common processes in the world since the human understood that the water contained pathogens that can be lethal. Since this, new methods and techniques of disinfection had been developed and studied. An effective disinfection method should be one that besides eliminating the pathogens present in water, does not affect the water system or human health in other manners. The most common disinfectant for water is hypochlorite, since is an economic solution for most pathogens that may be present in potable water, but it presents a problem since it is a very corrosive solution and most water systems are built from mild steel and copper. Oxidation of metals can become a problem for water systems. The deterioration of metals can cause iron and copper molecules to be added to water, which are known to have a direct impact on human health. Chlorine dioxide may be a solution for this common problem since it is a selective biocide with less impact on the metals and health. Key Terms  Chlorine, Chlorine Dioxide, Corrosion, Disinfection.