Chlorine and chlorine compounds, like sodium hypochlorite, continue to be the go-to chemicals for disinfection in both pretreatment and post-treatment applications. But chlorine has many drawbacks. For example, chlorine reacts with organic matter to form disinfection byproducts (DBPs), many of which are known to have long-term carcinogenic properties. Chlorine also breaks down quickly, making long-term storage difficult. Chlorinated water that enters the environment can be harmful to plants, insects, and animals alike.
This has led to a growing interest in peracetic acid (PAA) as an alternative to chlorine for disinfection in some applications. PAA has a unique chemistry that is highly effective against bacteria and other contaminants. It does not form any known DBPs and has a less environmental impact. Before substituting chlorine with PAA, it is critical to understand the chemistry, its applications, and methods of handling and dosing.
The Pros And Cons Of PAA
PAA is an organic chemical made by combining acetic acid with hydrogen peroxide using a catalyst. It has a vinegar-
like odor and is typically sold in a solution of acetic acid, peroxide, and water. PAA was first used as a disinfectant in the early 1900s and was registered as a disinfectant with the U.S. EPA in 1985. Benefits of PAA include:
Environmentally friendly. When it oxidizes, PAA breaks down into acetic acid, water, and oxygen. This makes it safer to use on effluent that is discharged into source water or other bodies with high levels of organic content. PAA oxidizes almost instantly, so there is rarely any residual chemical after discharge.
Regulation agnostic. For now, there are few regulations that affect the use of PAA, as it breaks down quickly and does not form any known DBPs.
Long shelf life. PAA has an estimated shelf life of six months to two years. By comparison, sodium hypochlorite has a shelf life of about 90 days.
Of course, PAA is not without its drawbacks. Some things to note about the substance include:
Highly corrosive. PAA can cause severe damage to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Those handling the chemical should do so in a well-ventilated room while wearing appropriate protective gear. It can also corrode metal and some polymers.
Limited effectiveness on viruses. While PAA instantly kills bacteria and fungi, it has been proven less effective on protozoa and viruses, including Giardia and Cryptosporidium. (It will kill SARS-CoV-2 on hard surfaces.)
Higher cost, lower supply. For now, PAA is more expensive than chlorine-
based disinfectants and the number of manufacturers and distributors is far fewer. However, as acceptance of the substance increases, these factors are likely to change.
Applications For PAA
At present, the two most common applications of PAA are in healthcare and food sanitation, due to its ability to break down into predominantly neutral components (oxygen and water).
PAA has been finding an increased usage in industrial wastewater treatment. Manufacturers that produce organic waste, such as food processors and breweries, are increasingly applying PAA as a pretreatment before further treating and discharging effluent.
A number of studies have also been conducted regarding the effectiveness of PAA in municipal wastewater treatment to reduce biofouling. So far, it is finding adoption among municipalities with high levels of industrial waste for which UV treatment has been ineffective. It is also popular in areas that are struggling to meet state or federal maximums for chlorine-derived DBPs.
In addition, PAA is beginning to make inroads in drinking water treatment. Its main use is to treat influents to remove bacteria and oxidize other microorganic matter. Used in this manner, it is not a substitute for chlorine, but rather a way of mitigating total organic matter that can react with chlorine to form DBPs downstream.
How To Administer PAA To A Treatment System
Dosing PAA into a water treatment system requires the right equipment. The caustic properties make it difficult to run through some kinds of pumps. For high-flow applications, a peristaltic pump could work, although it’s important to ensure that the pump tube has good chemical resistance. Low-flow applications usually call for a diaphragm pump. However, PAA off-gases can cause vapor locking.
Multi-diaphragm pumps overcome this problem (Figure 1). A multi-diaphragm pump has two chambers. As one enters the suction position, the other enters the discharge position and vice versa. This ensures a steady, smooth flow in and out of the pump, allowing it to run at high speeds and avoid vapor locking. However, not every multi-diaphragm pump can handle caustic chemicals like PAA. It’s important to check with the pump manufacturer to ensure a multi-diaphragm pump comes with a chemical-resistant membrane.
Written by:
Blue-White® Industries
714-893-8529
