Which statement is true about odor control in sewers?

Which statement is true about odor control in sewers?

• A. Chlorine is never used for odor control
• B. Muriatic acid is the preferred odor control chemical
• C. Chlorine is used for odor control in sewers
• D. Potassium chloride is used for odor control

Answer: (C)

Odor control in sewers works by oxidizing the hydrogen sulfide produced in anaerobic conditions, which is the main contributor to sewer odor. Chlorine is used because it is an effective oxidizer that reacts with H2S to form less odorous and less corrosive compounds (like sulfates), thereby lowering odor emissions and protecting infrastructure. This makes chlorine a common and practical odor-control chemical in sewer systems, used in various forms such as gas or hypochlorite solutions. In contrast, muriatic acid is not used for odor control because it is a strong acid that can create hazardous conditions and doesn’t oxidize H2S; potassium chloride is simply a salt with no odor-control effect.

Odor control in sewers works by oxidizing the hydrogen sulfide produced in anaerobic conditions, which is the main contributor to sewer odor. Chlorine is used because it is an effective oxidizer that reacts with H2S to form less odorous and less corrosive compounds (like sulfates), thereby lowering odor emissions and protecting infrastructure. This makes chlorine a common and practical odor-control chemical in sewer systems, used in various forms such as gas or hypochlorite solutions. In contrast, muriatic acid is not used for odor control because it is a strong acid that can create hazardous conditions and doesn’t oxidize H2S; potassium chloride is simply a salt with no odor-control effect.