Chlorine disinfectants are widely used, particularly in hospital settings. They are a type of low-cost, highly efficient disinfectant often employed to control pathogenic microbial contamination and transmission in medical wastewater.
However, while these disinfectants have their advantages, they also come with drawbacks. Excessive use can lead to negative consequences. So, what exactly are these issues? In this article, Hangzhou Modi will explore these questions with you.
When chlorine-based disinfectants dissolve in water, they produce hypochlorous acid. This hypochlorous acid interacts with cell walls and, due to its small molecular size and lack of charge, causes proteins within the cells to undergo oxidation reactions. Alternatively, it may disrupt phosphodehydrogenase in the cells, leading to metabolic dysfunction in sugars and, in severe cases, bacterial death. Additionally, hypochlorous acid can decompose to form nascent oxygen, which oxidizes proteins within the bacterial cells. Furthermore, this disinfectant has corrosive and bleaching effects. If the available chlorine content exceeds 5%, sodium hypochlorite solution is classified as a hazardous chemical, falling under the category of corrosive substances.
Of course, the health hazards of chlorine-based disinfectants only occur at high concentrations. They can affect the skin and respiratory tract, and in severe cases, may even lead to pulmonary edema. Therefore, relevant authorities have established safety standards for chlorine.
Thus, it is essential to properly control chlorine disinfection. For instance, after disinfecting medical wastewater, it is important not to overlook the need for online monitoring of the wastewater. Ensure that all water quality indicators meet the required standards before discharge. To achieve this, the RCl900 Total Residual Chlorine Online Analyzer can be used to monitor the chlorine content and its state in the water in real time. This is crucial for ensuring the proper operation of disinfection facilities and safeguarding drinking water safety. In certain special circumstances, it is even more important to strengthen the monitoring of total residual chlorine in water to guarantee water quality!
