What chemicals are used in water treatment today that are safe?

Analysis of safety chemicals used in water treatment and their application

with the global emphasis on water conservation and water treatment technology, the demand for chemicals in the water treatment industry is increasing. The safety of chemicals has also become the focus of attention. There are a wide variety of chemicals used in the water treatment process, including flocculants, coagulants, disinfectants, scale inhibitors, etc. This article will analyze the chemicals commonly used in water treatment, explore which chemicals are safe, and discuss their practical applications.

1. Flocculant safety

Flocculant is one of the commonly used chemicals in water treatment, mainly used to remove suspended particles and impurities in water. Traditional flocculants such as polyaluminum chloride (PAC) and polyferric chloride (PFC) are widely used because of their high efficiency and economy. These flocculants may contain certain heavy metal ions, and long-term use may cause potential risks to the environment and human health. In recent years, environmentally friendly flocculants have gradually attracted attention, such as organic polymer flocculants, which are regarded as safer choices because of their degradation products have less impact on the environment.

2. Coagulant safety

Coagulants are mainly used to settle suspended solids and colloidal particles in water treatment. Common coagulants include alum (aluminum sulfate) and ferric chloride. Alum produces aluminum ions during the coagulation process, and long-term exposure may have an impact on water quality. In contrast, ferric chloride because of its iron salt characteristics, coagulation effect is more stable, but its strong corrosion, the use of the need to pay attention to safe operation. In order to improve safety, some new coagulants such as modified ferric chloride and composite coagulants have been developed and applied gradually.

3. Disinfectant safety

Disinfectants are used in water treatment to kill pathogenic microorganisms in water to ensure water quality safety. Common disinfectants include chlorine, chlorine dioxide, and ultraviolet light. As a traditional disinfectant, chlorine has the advantages of low cost and good effect, but its by-products such as chlorides and organic chlorides may cause harm to human health and the environment. As an efficient and broad-spectrum disinfectant, chlorine dioxide has strong bactericidal ability and less by-products, which is considered to be a safer choice. Ultraviolet disinfection is a physical disinfection method, no need to add chemical substances, safety and environmental protection, but its disinfection effect is affected by water quality and light conditions.

4. Scale inhibitor safety

Scale inhibitors are used to prevent scaling problems in water treatment systems. Common scale inhibitors include organophosphates and polycarboxylates. Organophosphate scale inhibitors are widely used because of their high efficiency and environmental friendliness, but some products may be toxic to aquatic organisms. Polycarboxylate scale inhibitors are considered a safer option because they are non-toxic and non-corrosive. When selecting a scale inhibitor, it is necessary to consider its impact on the environment and the compatibility of the system.

5. Safe use of chemicals precautions

In the water treatment process, the safety of chemicals not only depends on their own properties, but also closely related to the use methods and operating specifications. Appropriate chemicals should be selected based on water quality and treatment objectives to avoid unnecessary risks. During use, it is necessary to strictly abide by the safety operation procedures and wear protective equipment to prevent direct contact of chemicals to human body. The storage and disposal of chemicals must also meet environmental protection requirements to avoid secondary pollution to the environment.

6. Future development direction

With the increasing awareness of environmental protection, the demand for safe chemicals in the water treatment industry is increasing. In the future, the development and promotion of environmentally friendly, low-toxicity chemicals will become the main direction of industry development. For example, the development of biodegradable flocculants, non-toxic disinfectants and green scale inhibitors will provide safer options for the water treatment industry. The intelligent water treatment system will also further improve the safety and efficiency of water treatment by accurately controlling the amount of chemicals used.

Conclusion

There are a wide variety of chemicals used in water treatment, and their safety directly affects water quality and environmental health. By selecting environmentally friendly, low-toxicity chemicals and strictly following safe operating procedures, the risks in the use of chemicals can be effectively reduced. In the future, with the advancement of technology and the improvement of environmental awareness, the water treatment industry will develop in a safer, more efficient and environmentally friendly direction, providing a strong guarantee for the sustainable use of water resources.