Assessment of Residual Chlorine Interaction with Different Microelements in Stormwater Sediments

Abstract

One consequence of intensive outdoor disinfection using chlorinated compounds is environmental pollution. It has been found that disinfectants are the most effective tool to avoid the spread of infections and viruses. Studies have shown that the use of chlorine-based disinfectants (sodium hypochlorite) leaves residual chlorine and other disinfection byproducts in the environment. They also have harmful effects on, inter alia, water quality, ecosystems, as well as exacerbating the corrosion of surfaces. To meet regulatory standards, monitoring of the presence of residual chlorine in the environment is vitally important. The aim of this study is to analyse the occurrence of residual chlorine in stormwater after outdoor disinfection using sodium hypochlorite and to investigate its interaction with different microelements as well their possible impacts. Stormwater samples collected at permanently disinfected locations were analysed via X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The concentrations of Cl and the following elements Na, Si, K, Ca, Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn were detected and their relationship with chlorine was determined using the Python programming language. The research presents Cl concentration values (%) that vary from 0.02 to 0.04. The results of the modelling revealed strong correlations between Cl and Fe (value 0.65) and Ca (value −0.61) and the occurrence of CaCl2 and FeCl3. The strong relationship between Cl and Fe explains the significant increase in surface corrosion after disinfection with chlorine-based substances.

Extent and Sources of Heavy Metal Pollution from Discharging Rivers in the Bohai Region, China

“…Finding the optimal time (e.g., dry or rainy season) seems to be less of a problem, as the respective element concentrations do not change significantly and the mutual concentration ratios remain largely stable [15]. Considering that rivers contribute 80% of the pollution of the Bohai Sea, the pollutants may come from different sources, such as stormwater [58]. Taking into account the results obtained in this study, regular random sample analyses of river waters may be a promising complement to sediment analysis and for the support of future pollution management in the Bohai Rim in general.…”

Removal of Residual Chlorine from Stormwater Using Low-Cost Adsorbents and Phytoremediation

“…chlorine [27,28] and its reaction with metals [29]. These findings raise a concern about the adverse effects of chlorine and its compounds on the environment due to the intensive disinfection of public spaces and surfaces [30].…”

“…An impact on aquatic fauna was detected at low chlorine concentrations (0.1 mg/L) [26]. Outdoor disinfection using sodium hypochlorite also causes surface corrosion due to the strong oxidizing features of chlorine [27,28] and its reaction with metals [29]. These findings raise a concern about the adverse effects of chlorine and its compounds on the environment due to the intensive disinfection of public spaces and surfaces [30].…”

Experimental Research on Residual Chlorine Removal from Stormwater

“…The impact on aquatic fauna were detected at low chlorine concentration [27]. The outdoor disinfection by sodium hypochlorite causes also surface corrosion due to strong oxidizing features of chlorine and its reaction with almost all metals and non-metals [28][29][30]. These findings raise a concern about the adverse effects of chlorine and its compounds on the environment due to intensive public spaces and surfaces disinfection [31].…”