Problem 6.2: The chapter states that oxidants are not loyal

From Chapter 6 Problem Set. Level 1: Conceptual Mastery.

Question

The chapter states that oxidants are not loyal to their intended target. Explain what this means and why it creates a dilemma for water treatment.

Answer

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Oxidizers are added to attack vulnerable biological structures, but the same electron-accepting chemistry can also drive metal corrosion when system conditions permit. Their reactions are selective, but that selectivity is controlled by chemistry rather than by the treatment objective. This creates a fundamental tension: enough oxidizing power must be maintained for biological control without creating unacceptable damage to system metallurgy.