Kinetics of Chlorine Disinfection in an Ecosystem

Abstract

Chlorination is one method of achieving dependable disinfection of waste pond effluents, but the presence of unicellular green algae in such effluents makes effective chlorination complex. The kinetics of chlorine disinfection in algal-bacterial systems are investigated in both pure cultures and mixed cultures from samples of actual waste stabilization pond effluents. The parameters studied are coliform bacterial concentration, chlorine dosage, time, algal concentration and type of algae. Based on the results, chlorine disinfection can be achieved under controlled conditions whereby indicator coliform bacterial organisms may be destroyed, leaving most algae essentially intact. However, indiscriminate chlorination of such effluents, which frequently contain large quantities of algae, results in the degradation of algae. When disposed in receiving waters, this could lead to unsuitable conditions for fish life, recreation and water supply.