Dechlorination by ultraviolet radiation: a suitable alternative to activated carbon in dialysis water systems?
Chlorine-based products are widely used in the water supply industry, and the potential for adverse effects in the haemodialysis setting is well documented. To date, the most commonly used method of chlorine removal has been granular activated carbon filters. An increasingly popular method of dechlorination is the use of high intensity, broad-spectrum UV systems to reduce both free chlorine and combined chlorine compounds (chloramines) into easily removed by-products. UV radiation has been successfully used in the pharmaceutical and food industries to destroy free chlorine and/or chloramines present in water, and kill all known spoilage microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, yeasts and moulds (and their spores). This nonchemical method can offer significant advantages and benefits compared to conventional dechlorination technologies currently employed in dialysis water systems. Whilst UV treatment at 254 nm wavelength has been routinely used for disinfection purposes in dialysis water systems, this paper considers whether UV radiation can be used as an alternative to more traditional methods of chlorine removal.
James
Ray
R
Barts and The London NHS Trust, London E1 1BB, UK. ray.james@bartsandthelondon.nhs.uk
D018441:Biofilms; D002606:Charcoal; D002700:Chloramines / Q000009:adverse effects; D002713:Chlorine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000009:adverse effects; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014871:Water Microbiology; D018508:Water Purification / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014880:Water Softening / Q000379:methods
D002700:Chloramines; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D002606:Charcoal; D002713:Chlorine; C030816:chloramine