Oxidation (chlorine/peroxide) treatment

The purpose of oxidizing treatment is:

  • decomposition of organic material that settle in the pipes and drippers

  • prevention of agglomeration of organic particles (bacterial slime and small pieces of algae that pass through the filtration system)

  • oxidation of iron and manganese to avoid the formation of iron, sulfur, and manganese bacterial slimes

  • elimination of sulfur and iron bacteria.

 
Remember: Chlorine and peroxide are not effective for dissolving mineral sediments.

 

A few comments about iron (Fe) & manganese (Mn)

 

 

 

Although some treatment can be made after filtration using oxidation, the best treatment is at the water source itself.

This is because oxidation will turn soluble forms of iron (Fe+2) and manganese (Mn+2) into insoluble forms (Fe+3) and (Mn+3 or +4). If this occurs after filtration, these can clog your drip emitters.

Therefore, this oxidation should be done before filtration (either by aeration or by injection of oxidizers).

In the system, after filtration, oxidizers serve only for the prevention of iron and sulfur bacteria that produce a slime that clog the drippers.

 

Chlorine and peroxide are common oxidation agents

Peroxide is more aggressive, and its effect is faster compared to chlorine. However, it is often more expensive, harder to source, more difficult to store, and even more care must be taken for handling.

Furthermore, it can lose its reactivity through the course of large irrigation systems where there is a long “travel time” from the injection to the last emitter.

 

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