Fitness Equipment

Is sodium hypochlorite in influents toxic to aerobic bacteria in wastewater treatment? is this acceptable?

sodium hypochlorite (6% concentration) used in the haemodialysis unit of a hospital for cleaning of equipment is actually being discharged into a wastewater treatment plant (5-6 cubic meters per week) consisting of screening, primary sedimentation basin, aerobic tank (this is where i believe that the hypochlorite will affect the treatment process especially the bacteria present, is it possible?), and secondary settling tank. The final effluent is chlorinated before being discharged into a watercourse.

If you want an educated opinion, bleach in any treatment plant creates toxins that are detrimental to bacteria, aerobic or otherwise. The problem comes from concentration. You’ll hear the argument that there is so much water/waste and that the chlorine has disipated that it makes little difference at the plant. Aeration at the plant further releases the chlorine. The problem becomes minimal…depending upon your point of view. There is also an ongoing argument that chlorine mixed with with organic materials results in creating trihalomethanes which are carcinogenic. Its a mixed thing. You’ll often see water downstream from a treatment plant actually cleaner than upstream. Doesn’t mean it will support tons of productive life, but by clean water standards, it is actually cleaner.