What chemical is typically used to disinfect gravel packing in groundwater wells?

What chemical is typically used to disinfect gravel packing in groundwater wells?

• A. Sodium hypochlorite
• B. Calcium hypochlorite
• C. Chlorine gas
• D. Hydrogen peroxide

Answer: (B)

Calcium hypochlorite is commonly used for disinfecting gravel packing in groundwater wells due to its efficacy as a chlorine source. When it comes to water treatment, calcium hypochlorite is preferred for its solid form and ease of handling. It releases chlorine when dissolved in water, effectively killing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that may be present in the gravel pack and surrounding water. Additionally, calcium hypochlorite has a higher available chlorine content compared to sodium hypochlorite in solid form, making it particularly suitable for rigorous disinfection tasks, such as in well and system cleanouts. While sodium hypochlorite and chlorine gas are also effective disinfectants, they generally come in liquid or gaseous forms, which can pose challenges in terms of storage, stability, and ease of application compared to calcium hypochlorite. Hydrogen peroxide is an alternative disinfectant, but its use is typically less common for gravel packing disinfection in comparison to calcium hypochlorite due to differences in effectiveness and residual disinfection capability.

Calcium hypochlorite is commonly used for disinfecting gravel packing in groundwater wells due to its efficacy as a chlorine source. When it comes to water treatment, calcium hypochlorite is preferred for its solid form and ease of handling. It releases chlorine when dissolved in water, effectively killing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that may be present in the gravel pack and surrounding water.

Additionally, calcium hypochlorite has a higher available chlorine content compared to sodium hypochlorite in solid form, making it particularly suitable for rigorous disinfection tasks, such as in well and system cleanouts.

While sodium hypochlorite and chlorine gas are also effective disinfectants, they generally come in liquid or gaseous forms, which can pose challenges in terms of storage, stability, and ease of application compared to calcium hypochlorite. Hydrogen peroxide is an alternative disinfectant, but its use is typically less common for gravel packing disinfection in comparison to calcium hypochlorite due to differences in effectiveness and residual disinfection capability.