Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Chlorine-Based and Alternative Disinfection Systems for Pool Waters
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 146, Issue 1
Abstract
The aim of this study was to ascertain the biocidal efficacy, based on the so-called C·t values, and the usage expenses of seven disinfection products in recreational waters using Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as microorganism models of fecal and environmental contamination, respectively. A 250-L indoor fully equipped pool basin was harnessed as a proof-of-concept setup for the evaluation of chlorine-based [viz., trichloroisocyanuric acid (trichloro), sodium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite + isocyanuric acid, and saline electrolysis] and unconventional (viz., 1-bromo-3-chloro-5,5-dimethylilhidantoine, chlorine dioxide and hydrogen peroxide) biocides at 30°C and different pH values. The economic losses resulting from human action, mimicked by urea addition, were also considered. Experimental results showed that trichloro, chlorine dioxide, and sodium hypochlorite were the most effective disinfection agents with a log 3 removal of both organisms in 60 s regardless of the water pH. On the other hand, sodium hypochlorite and trichloro afforded unparalleled cost-effectiveness. Chlorine dioxide exhibits the greatest biocide efficacy, yet its elevated usage costs make it merely applicable in shock treatments to offset high organic loads.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, or code generated or used during the study are available from the corresponding author by request.
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by Research Project AAEE 28/2014 of the Conselleria d’Educació, Cultura i Universitats from the Balearic Islands Government. Manuel Miró acknowledges the financial support of the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI) and Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MCIU) through Project CTM2017-84763-C3-3-R (AEI/MCIU/FEDER, EU).
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Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 146 • Issue 1 • January 2020
Copyright
©2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 18, 2019
Accepted: Apr 30, 2019
Published online: Oct 24, 2019
Published in print: Jan 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Mar 24, 2020
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