The objective of this study was to investigate the performance of an electrochemical process
as an alternative disinfection/oxidation strategy for water treatment, as several oxidants
can be simultaneously formed during the process. Studies on electrochemical processes
have shown the production of free chlorine, as well as smaller amounts of stronger
oxidants, such as ozone, hydrogen peroxide and OH radicals. The key reactive
species formed during electrolysis were successfully isolated and detected, employing
specifically devised analytical set-ups, which enable the detection of time varied residual
oxidants using an on-line real time monitoring scheme. With the use Bacillus subtilis
spores, which are used as a biological surrogate of Cryptosporidium oocysts, the
inactivation efficiency of an electrochemical method was evaluated. A much improved
inactivation rate was observed for Bacillus subtilis spores during the electrochemical
process compared to the commonly used disinfection practice, chlorination. Additionally,
the formation characteristics of DBPs during electrolysis was studied by monitoring
inorganic byproducts, such as bromate (BrO3-) and chlorate (ClO,sub>3-). Includes 18 references, figures.