Ultra-Pure Chlorine Dioxide: A Sustainable Solution for Wastewater Treatment

Ultra-Pure Chlorine Dioxide: A Sustainable Solution for Wastewater Treatment

Protecting Communities and the Environment

Wastewater treatment is about more than compliance. It is about safeguarding public health, protecting ecosystems, and ensuring clean water for future generations. When wastewater is not properly treated, pathogens, chemicals, and organic waste can contaminate waterways, harm aquatic life, and pose risks to surrounding communities.

Did you know that about 95% of U.S. water systems (drinking and wastewater) use chlorine-based disinfection (American Chemistry Council)? For decades, chlorine has been the workhorse of water treatment. But today, facilities are facing new challenges: tighter EPA enforcement, infrastructure aging, sustainability goals, and rising operational costs.

That is where chlorine dioxide (ClO₂), and specifically Selectrocide® Ultra-Pure ClO₂, offers a smarter path forward.

 

Why Wastewater Facilities Choose Ultra-Pure ClO₂

Chlorine dioxide is one of the most effective and versatile disinfectants available. When delivered through Selective Micro Technologies’ patented micro-reactor system, it offers unmatched advantages compared to traditional methods like chlorine, peroxide, or UV irradiation:

  • Powerful at Lower Doses
    Selectrocide® achieves reliable disinfection with less chemical input, lowering operational costs and boosting efficiency.
  • No Harmful By-Products
    Traditional chlorine treatments can form trihalomethanes (THMs) and other regulated by-products. ClO₂ avoids these, making compliance with EPA and state regulations easier.
  • Effective in Challenging Conditions
    UV systems lose efficacy in turbid or high-organic waters. Chlorine dioxide remains effective across a wide range of conditions.
  • Odor and Corrosion Control
    ClO₂ neutralizes odors and suppresses sulphide-producing bacteria that damage infrastructure and trigger complaints.
  • Environmentally Friendly Breakdown
    After use, Selectrocide® breaks down into simple salts and oxygen, leaving behind no harmful residues.

 

Backed by Research: USGS and Ohio State Study

Chlorine dioxide’s effectiveness is not just industry knowledge. It is backed by science. In a study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and The Ohio State University, researchers evaluated chlorine dioxide for disinfecting onsite household sewage treatment systems.

The results were clear:

  • In bench-scale trials, chlorine dioxide achieved rapid reductions of 4–7 logs against E. coli, enterococci, and coliphages within just five minutes.
  • In field-scale trials with a 1,000-gallon septic holding tank, chlorine dioxide significantly reduced pathogens, even in challenging real-world conditions.
  • Unlike traditional chlorine, ClO₂ produced no harmful chlorinated by-products, confirming its environmental and health safety advantages.

 

Key Findings at a Glance

95% of U.S. water systems use chlorine-based disinfection, but ClO₂ stands out as safer and more effective.
4–7 log reductions of key pathogens achieved in 5 minutes in bench trials (USGS/Ohio State).
70% fewer harmful by-products compared to chlorine, making compliance easier (EPA/NIH data).
Proven effectiveness in both laboratory and field-scale wastewater treatment conditions.

 

What Makes Selectrocide® Different?

Not all chlorine dioxide is created equal. Many systems generate “dirty” or unstable solutions with impurities and inconsistent concentrations. Selective Micro Technologies’ patented micro-reactor technology ensures:

  • Ultra-pure, consistent ClO₂ every time
  • Safer handling for operators
  • Compliance with EPA, FDA, and NSF/ANSI standards
  • Easy integration into existing wastewater treatment systems

This makes Selectrocide® Ultra-Pure ClO₂ the most trusted choice for facilities looking to combine performance, sustainability, and regulatory confidence.

 

Leading the Future of Wastewater Treatment

The wastewater industry is evolving. Facilities need disinfection methods that are effective, affordable, and environmentally responsible. Ultra-Pure ClO₂ is reshaping that future.

For operations, it means stronger compliance, fewer by-products, reduced corrosion, and lower overall costs. For communities, it means safer water, cleaner rivers, and a healthier environment.

Cleaner water and smarter treatment methods are not optional. They are essential.

 

Contact Selective Micro Technologies

At Selective Micro, we manufacture the purest chlorine dioxide available, trusted in industries ranging from water treatment to food processing, healthcare, agriculture, and more.

Contact us today to learn how Selectrocide® Ultra-Pure ClO₂ can help strengthen your wastewater treatment program and exceed your environmental goals.

Learn more at www.selectivemicro.com

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