[Study on influencing factors of the by-product CHCl3 produced in the electrochemical sterilization process].

Objective: To gain an understanding of the progressive course and influencing factors of the by-product CHCl3 produced in the electrochemical sterilization process.

Methods: Taking filtering water, using graphite and Ti(matrix)-Ti as electrodes, adding different concentrations of SO4(2-) and Cl- in the filtering water, adjusting the electric current for analyzing sample in different times, and reviewing the production of CHCl3 under different conditions.

Results: The quantity of CHCl3 produced in the electrolysis using Ti (matrix)-Ti was greater than that using graphite. Besides, it was found that the more the current density increased, the more would be the production of CHCl3. No significant difference in the quantity of CHCl3 was seen after the addition of trace electrolyte Na2SO4; however, after the addition of trace electrolyte NaCl, (CHCl3) increased with the increase of (Cl-).

Conclusion: The graphite electrode should be the best and choicest electrode for use in the electrochemical sterilization of drinking water; the time of electrolysis should not be more than 10 minutes; the appropriate current density current is 1 mA/cm2. These suggestions may conduce to minimizing the production of CHCl3.