ClO₂ Advantages Over Other Oxidising Biocides

ClO₂ – the safe, broad spectrum biocide

Chlorine Dioxide vs Other Oxidising Biocides

Oxidising biocides such as ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and peracetic acid are well‑known for their ability to disinfect water. However, they are also associated with instability, storage challenges, and handling risks, making them difficult to use safely in many real‑world applications.

Although Chlorine Dioxide (ClO₂) belongs to the same family of oxidising biocides and shares some of their beneficial properties, it offers a number of unique advantages that make it more practical and cost‑effective in a wide range of water treatment scenarios.

Why Chlorine Dioxide Stands Out

Unlike ozone or peroxides, Chlorine Dioxide combines powerful disinfection with selective reactivity, giving it a safer and more efficient profile.

• Lower Oxidation Strength, Higher Precision
  ClO₂ has a significantly lower oxidation strength than ozone or hydrogen peroxide. This means it reacts with fewer non‑target compounds (such as ammonia and naturally occurring organic matter), conserving more of its disinfection power for pathogens.

  • Still strong enough to attack disulphide bonds in bacterial membranes and other biological material.

  • Reduces unwanted chemical by‑products and unnecessary chemical consumption.

• Stable, Targeted, and Controlled
  Where ozone rapidly degrades and hydrogen peroxide is unstable above 15%, ClO₂ remains stable when generated on site and can be delivered at controlled concentrations for consistent results.

 

Selective Oxidation for Cost Efficiency

ClO₂ works through a process called selective oxidation. Rather than reacting indiscriminately, it focuses its biocidal action where it is needed most:

• Rapid disinfection of bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and biofilms.

• Lower required dosages compared with other oxidising biocides.

• Improved cost efficiency through reduced chemical consumption.

Example:
Hydrogen Peroxide‑based products are often promoted for water treatment at dose rates 10–30 times greater than ClO₂.

• This not only increases cost but also creates handling and safety challenges.

• Concentrations above 15% hydrogen peroxide are now classified as “Explosives Precursors” under EU regulations, imposing strict storage and transport controls.

• By contrast, ClO₂ achieves the same or superior disinfection at far lower, safer dose rates.

Safety and Regulatory Advantages

• Lower risk in handling and storage compared to concentrated peroxides.

• Not classified as an explosive precursor, removing major compliance and security burdens.

• On‑site generation capability avoids the need for bulk transport of unstable or hazardous concentrates.

• Reduced risk of operator exposure to aggressive oxidants such as ozone or high‑strength peracetic acid.

In Summary

While all oxidising biocides have disinfectant power, Chlorine Dioxide offers the best balance of effectiveness, safety, and efficiency. Its selective oxidation ensures pathogens are targeted directly, while avoiding the high costs, risks, and regulatory hurdles of ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and peracetic acid.

For industries seeking a proven, practical, and regulatory‑compliant solution, Chlorine Dioxide is the clear choice.