Disinfection of sewage must be considered when reduction of infect-contagious disease transmission risks is intended. Thus, water quality requirements have to be evaluated in function of its predetermined uses. Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) has excellent bactericide, viruscide, sporicide and algaecide properties and, by these reasons, it is used as a disinfectant for drinking water and municipal sewage and as an algal growing inhibitor. The objective of this work was to investigate the most adequate ClO2 doses for an adequate disinfection of municipal sewage previously treated by an activate sludge with extended aeration process, evaluating the fecal coliform inactivation and the remaining residual chlorine dioxide. Essays were carried out for different ClO2 doses and different contact times. The results showed that the most adequate dose for sewage disinfection was 2,0 mg ClO2/L in 20 min of contact time. Under this condition, 100% coliform removal is attained, the remaining organic matter is partially oxidized and pH and residual ClO2 values of effluent are maintained in the range determined by the Brazilian and USA regulations. It was concluded, from the economical study carried out, that disinfection of municipal sewage using chlorine dioxide is economically viable.
Disinfection; chlorine dioxide; municipal sewage; residual chlorine dioxide
