Electrochemical Disinfection Technology: A Sustainable Innovation for Industrial Water Treatment
- gabrielefilosi
- Jun 24
- 2 min read
What is Electrochemical Disinfection?
Electrochemical disinfection involves using electric current to drive chemical reactions at electrode surfaces, generating oxidizing agents that can deactivate or destroy microorganisms in water. These agents are produced in situ, eliminating the need for external chemical dosing
Common Disinfectants Produced via ED
Chlorine (FAC/BAC): Made from saline; common in drinking water & pools
Chlorine Dioxide (ClO₂): On-site generation; low odor, fewer DBPs
Ozone (O₃): Produced with BDD electrodes; strong oxidizer
Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂): Anodic synthesis; effective & eco-friendly
⚠️ What About Disinfection By-Products (DBPs)?
While ED is clean and efficient, it can still produce unwanted by-products such as:
THMs, HAAs, and AOX, typically from reactions with natural organic matter (NOM)
Chlorate, nitrite, or ammonia from side reactions at electrodes
Recent studies are focusing on reactor designs and operational strategies to minimize DBPs effectively.
Emerging Trends in ED Research
DBP Reduction: More focus on minimizing harmful by-products
Advanced Electrode Materials: Use of nanomaterials like BDD for higher efficiency
Hybrid Approaches: Combining ED with processes like Fenton, filtration, or photocatalysis for better results
Real-World Application: Growing collaboration between researchers and industry for scalable, field-ready systems
Key Challenges in Electrochemical Disinfection
While promising, ED technology still faces some real-world hurdles:
🔸 Low Industry Awareness – Limited knowledge and trained personnel
🔸 High Upfront Costs – Equipment investment remains a barrier
🔸 Monitoring Limitations – On-site testing for chemicals and microbes is still difficult
🔸 Strict Regulations – Especially in drinking water applications
🔸 Lack of Collaboration – Gaps between government, industry, and academia
📚 Source
Bergmann H. (2021) Electrochemical Disinfection – State of the Art and Tendencies Journal: Current Opinion in Electrochemistry, Vol. 28
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