Which oxidizing agents are commonly used to treat industrial wastewaters?

The selection of potassium permanganate, sodium hypochlorite, or hydrogen peroxide as commonly used oxidizing agents for treating industrial wastewaters is based on their effectiveness in breaking down pollutants.

Potassium permanganate is a powerful oxidizer that can effectively degrade organic matter and eliminate color in wastewater. Its chemistry allows it to add oxygen to organic compounds, converting them into less harmful substances.

Sodium hypochlorite, often known as bleach, is widely utilized for disinfection purposes. It can oxidize organic and inorganic contaminants, ensuring that pathogens are effectively eliminated while also assisting in the degradation of other harmful compounds in wastewater.

Hydrogen peroxide is another highly effective oxidizing agent that can decompose organic pollutants, making it a valuable choice in advanced oxidation processes. It also produces hydroxyl radicals when it decomposes, which can aggressively oxidize various contaminants.

These agents are preferred in wastewater treatment due to their operational effectiveness, ability to handle a wide variety of contaminants, and the relative ease of managing their application in treatment processes.