EN
Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) can be used as a disinfectant and is most commonly used in the treatment of groundwater, wastewater, and drinking water. Hydrogen peroxide must be monitored in order to maintain safe high-quality water free from harmful pathogens.
Hydrogen peroxide will slowly decompose into water and oxygen, without the formation of environmentally harmful by-products.
2 H2O2 → 2 H2O + O2
Read below to find out why it is necessary to test for hydrogen peroxide and to find out some of the latest guidelines and regulations hydrogen peroxide in water.
Hydrogen peroxide is used to enhance the disinfectant power of other oxidisers such as chlorine, UV or ozone treatments. Hydrogen peroxide cannot be used as the only disinfectant in pools and spas as it breaks down too quickly. Using hydrogen peroxide can be a method of reducing the amount of chlorine in a swimming pool, which has benefits in terms of cost and bather experience.
The recommended levels for hydrogen peroxide will vary according to the pool size and local authorities. Typically, a level of 30 – 100 mg/L is required in a peroxide treated pool.
For more information on pool management download our pool chemistry guide which includes definitions of important testing parameters, a guide to the recommended levels and the effects of poor water monitoring.
Hydrogen peroxide can be used to increase the growth of bacteria used in bioremediation of polluted soils or groundwater. Bioremediation is a process of using bacteria to remove pollution from water or soil.
Hydrogen peroxide can be used to introduce more oxygen into the soil, making the soil less compact and allowing the plant roots room to take up nutrients and water. Therefore, if hydrogen peroxide levels are very low it could affect plant growth, but this would also depend on the concentration of oxygen, available nutrients and water in the soil.
Hydrogen peroxide can be used to disinfect drinking water, it is commonly used for disinfecting small scale sources such as wells. Unlike chlorine, hydrogen does not affect the taste of water and it works more effectively over a larger pH range.
Like all disinfectants used in drinking water, hydrogen peroxide levels need to be monitored to ensure that levels are effective at disinfecting, but not too high that they affect taste and quality of the drinking water.
Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a disinfectant and can cause the organic matter to precipitate so it can be filtered out of the water using a carbon filter. When introduced into water or soil hydrogen peroxide will break down quite rapidly. Verification if hydrogen peroxide levels will be required to confirm the effectiveness of disinfection.
Palintest offer a range of equipment for hydrogen peroxide testing including visual and digital test methods.
For residential pool users Pooltester Kits are an ideal cost-effective solution providing quick test results. The Pooltest 25 is Palintest’s top of the range pool photometer for professional pool and spa management. Up to 1000 data sets can be stored on the instrument for full traceability of test results. USBs allow data to be managed across multiple platforms.
The easy to use Contour Comparator offers an excellent solution for visual testing requirements for hydrogen peroxide.
Lumiso Expert is a robust multi-parameter photometer with an extensive range of testing parameters.
Advanced digital testing with the complete range of pool test parameters
Compact and versatile with a wide range of visual test options
