The Impact of Water Treatment Chemicals on Aquatic Ecosystems and Mitigation Strategies

Water treatment chemicals are essential for water purification, but their residual in treated water may enter aquatic ecosystems, posing potential risks to aquatic organisms and ecological balance. With the increasing emphasis on environmental protection, the impact of water treatment chemicals on aquatic ecosystems has become a hot topic in the industry. This article evaluates the potential impacts of common water treatment chemicals on aquatic ecosystems and proposes effective mitigation strategies.

Different types of water treatment chemicals have different impacts on aquatic ecosystems. For example, residual chlorine-based disinfectants can be toxic to fish, invertebrates, and algae, affecting their growth and reproduction. Phosphorus-containing scale inhibitors may cause water eutrophication when discharged into water bodies, leading to the overgrowth of algae and the deterioration of water quality. Some organic biocides and flocculants are difficult to degrade, accumulating in aquatic organisms and causing long-term ecological risks. In addition, the combination of multiple water treatment chemicals may produce synergistic toxic effects, increasing the harm to aquatic ecosystems.

To mitigate the impact of water treatment chemicals on aquatic ecosystems, a series of strategies can be adopted. First, develop and use green and biodegradable water treatment chemicals, such as biological flocculants, plant-based biocides, and phosphorus-free scale inhibitors, which can reduce residual toxicity and environmental impact. Second, optimize the dosage and application process of chemicals to minimize residual amounts in treated water. For example, using intelligent dosing systems to accurately control chemical dosage, and adopting advanced treatment technologies to remove residual chemicals. Third, strengthen the monitoring of residual chemicals in water bodies and establish environmental risk assessment systems to timely detect and solve potential ecological problems. Finally, formulate strict environmental standards for water treatment chemicals to regulate their production, use, and discharge.