Hydrogen peroxide, H2O2, is a strong oxidant commonly used in municipal and industrial wastewaters to control a variety of reduced species: sulfides, COD, BOD, metals, and refractory organics. Increasingly, H202 technologies are being applied in potable water treatment. H202 is attractive for the treatment of drinking water. It does not form chlorinated organics, and as a liquid it is easier to handle than a gas or solid. It has a higher oxidation potential than chlorine (Cl2) and permanganate (MnO4-).
In potable water applications, the grade of H2O2 should be high in quality. FMC's OxyPure TM, the potable water grade hydrogen peroxide, is ANSI/NSF Standard 60 Drinking Water Additives - Health Effects listed. The maximum application dosage for OxyPure TM is 30 mg/l (100% H202) when it is followed by chlorination. Some potable water applications for H202 are listed as follows:
Hydrogen sulfide, a common groundwater contaminant, is effectively removed. H202 reacts with sulfide to predominantly form sulfate (pH>8) or sulfur (pH<7). Hydrogen peroxide is effective for the oxidation of iron and manganese in groundwater systems. The metal oxides formed from the reaction are easily filtered. Seasonal taste and odor problems, which occur in some surface water sources, can be controlled by the addition of H202. In fact, H2O2 is more effective for the oxidative reduction of geosmin and MIB than MnO4-.
Finally, H202 can be coupled with ozone (O3) to produce
the powerful hydroxyl radical. The hydroxyl radical has a higher
oxidation potential than O3, H2O2, Cl2 and MnO4-. Thus, in systems
which require more complete oxidation of taste and odor compounds
or refractory organics, a combination of H2O2/O3 might be applicable.
---Monica Tarver
 
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