Which chemical is commonly used in disinfection that increases pH upon addition?

Sodium hypochlorite is commonly used in water disinfection and has a significant effect on pH upon addition. It is a strong oxidizing agent that dissociates in water to form hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ions. As sodium hypochlorite is added to water, it can lead to an increase in the pH due to the way it interacts with the existing water chemistry and the formation of hydroxide ions as part of the dissociation process.

Disinfectants like chlorine dioxide and ozone do not generally cause an increase in pH when added to water. Chlorine dioxide is often used for its effective disinfection properties without significantly affecting pH, while ozone is known for being a powerful oxidant but typically does not alter the pH of water in a way that is significant or lasting. Calcium carbonate, on the other hand, while it can increase pH, is primarily used for water hardness adjustment rather than as a primary disinfectant.

This understanding of sodium hypochlorite’s impact on pH provides insight into its usage and behavior in water treatment applications, highlighting its relevance in maintaining appropriate water quality standards during the disinfection process.