What is sodium hypochlorite used for in wastewater treatment?

Sodium hypochlorite is primarily used in wastewater treatment as a disinfectant. This chemical has strong oxidizing properties, which allows it to effectively kill a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. By reducing the concentration of these harmful microorganisms, sodium hypochlorite plays a critical role in improving the overall safety and quality of wastewater before it's released into the environment or reused for other purposes.

Disinfection is a crucial step in the wastewater treatment process, particularly to protect public health and prevent waterborne diseases. The effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite in achieving this goal is well-documented, making it a standard choice for many treatment facilities. In contrast, thickening agents and filtering aids are used for different processes such as separating solids from liquids, and nutrient enhancers are typically used to enrich the water with essential compounds for biological treatment, underscoring the distinct purpose of sodium hypochlorite in disinfection.