INVESTIGATION OF WATER TREATMENT PROCESSES USING CHLORINE DIOXIDE:1. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Abstract

The article addresses the use of chlorine dioxide as an alternative disinfectant in centralized water supply systems in Ukraine, taking into account contemporary challenges arising from infrastructure damage and the deterioration of natural water quality during military operations. The drawbacks of traditional water disinfection technologies, which prevail at most Ukrainian water utilities, are analyzed. Chlorine dioxide is considered a promising reagent that provides high disinfection efficiency across a wide pH range, reduced formation of chlorinated organic by-products, the ability to destroy biofilms, and stable residual concentrations within the distribution network.

To determine the optimal dosing conditions that would minimize the formation of disinfection by-products, an approach based on mathematical and computer modelling of water treatment processes was applied. A classification of models used in the study of technological water treatment systems is proposed.

An active multifactor experiment was conducted according to a central composite rotatable design, in which pH, water temperature, reagent dose, contact time, and the content of organic matter were considered as factors.

Structural identification of the mathematical models was performed, including the determination of the most adequate model type and formal structure, as well as the selection of variables, parameters, and functional relationships that ensure the correct representation of the behavior of the investigated system.

The results of the study can serve as a basis for the modernization of water treatment systems and for the implementation of adaptive chlorine dioxide dosing at water utilities in Ukraine.