How do scientists use Sodium Hypochlorite to treat drinking water?
Again, we need to understand that using sodium hypochlorite is a portion of the water treatment process. In the simplest terms, heres how it works: Fresh source water and salt are combined to make brine (salt water). Using an electric conductor, electricity is passed through the brine making hypochlorite. The hypochlorite is then poured into the untreated body of source water and shaken. The addition of sodium hypochlorite to the water kills existing bacteria, purifies the water and ensures it is safe to drink. Want more information? Sodium hypochlorite, otherwise known as “bleach” is generated by the electrolysis of weak brine. Sodium hypochlorite cells generally do not require saturated brine, but can utilize weak brine or even seawater. Bleach is produced “on-site” for disinfection of drinking water and wastewater. The cells employed for this purpose are the same as those used for chlorate manufacture, that is, they consist of an anode and a cathode without a separator or diaphragm.
