| Abstract: | Chlorine dioxide stock solutions for the disinfection of drinking water are made by the application of chlorite/chlorine process in many waterworks. In such cases the stock solution is always characterised by a mixture of chlorine and chlorine dioxide. The disinfection of waters of different origin with a mixture of chlorine dioxide and chlorine showed the formation of odours of different intensity. The reasons are the re‐formation of chlorine dioxide and the formation of odorous disinfection by‐products. Applying the chlorine dioxide for disinfection, its re‐formation caused by the reaction of chlorite with chlorine is the dominant reason of odour formation. When chlorine is used, the formation of odorous by‐products becomes more relevant. In order to quantify the sensitivity of water concerning odour, the odour indicator coefficient OI was defined. The decreased demand of chlorine dioxide by applying chlorine and chlorine dioxide in combination is recognised to be the key in order to avoid the formation of odour after the disinfection of drinking water with chlorine dioxide. |
