Application of sodium chlorite in sterilization and algae removal

Sodium chlorite is a strong oxidant that releases chlorine dioxide under acidic conditions. In practical applications, sodium citrate is often added as an acidifier to release chlorine dioxide after reaction. Chlorine dioxide has become the preferred alternative product for chlorine, not only used for bleaching paper paddles and fabrics, but also for disinfection, sterilization, algae removal of drinking water, preservation of fruits and vegetables, aquaculture, etc. The sterilization and algae removal mechanism of chlorine dioxide is as follows.

Chlorine dioxide exists in the form of neutral molecules in water and has good adsorption and penetration properties on microbial cell walls. Its bactericidal and disinfection effect mainly involves penetrating into bacterial cells, oxidizing nucleic acids (RNA or DNA), thereby preventing cell synthesis and metabolism, and causing cell death. Therefore, it is easier to enter algae cells than general oxidants (such as liquid chlorine). Studies have shown that the algae removal rate can reach over 75% when pre oxidized with 1mg/L chlorine dioxide. Chlorine dioxide not only has bactericidal effects on some bacteria, but also has good killing effects on spores, viruses, algae, iron bacteria, sulfide bacteria, nitrifying bacteria, fungi, etc.

The control mechanism of chlorine dioxide on algae is that chlorine dioxide has a certain affinity for the benzene ring, which can cause changes in the benzene ring without smell or taste. The pyrrole ring in chlorophyll is very similar to the benzene ring, and chlorine dioxide can also act on the pyrrole ring. In this way, oxidized chlorine oxidizes chlorophyll, halting plant metabolism, disrupting protein synthesis, and leading to algal death. Chlorine dioxide also has a significant removal effect on iron (Fe2+), manganese (Mn2+), phenols, etc. in water. Its excellent bactericidal and algal killing properties make it widely used in the field of drinking water.

Sodium chlorite has great advantages in disinfection and sterilization of drinking water. It not only has good sterilization and algae removal effect, but also can deodorize without residual odor. The medicament will not fail within 400 degrees. It has a long sterilization time and can be used for a long time. It will not produce foam when used. It is easy to mix with water and will not harm people and the environment.