Adanced Water System
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STEP
As high-purity zinc (Zn) slowly releases zinc ions (Zn²⁺) into the water, dissolved oxygen (or oxygen) in the water is converted into hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) (Grunberg, 1952). The generated hydrogen peroxide inhibits the growth of algae and other microorganisms.
- Zn + H₂O + ½O₂ → Zn²⁺ + H₂O₂ + 2e⁻ → Zn²⁺ + 2OH⁻
- 2H₂O₂ + C, H, O (microorganisms) → CO₂ + H₂O
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STEP
As zinc ions are oxidized in water, hydrogen peroxide is eventually converted into hydroxide ions (OH⁻), increasing the pH level and forming zinc hydroxide precipitates (Zn(OH)₂). These substances adsorb phosphorus compounds (PO₄³⁻), a key nutrient for algae, thereby suppressing algae growth.
- Zn²⁺ + 2OH⁻ → Zn(OH)₂ ↓
- 3Zn(OH)₂ + 2H₃PO₄ → Zn₃(PO₄)₂ ↓ + 6H₂O
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STEP
In addition, the generated zinc ions react with hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), a major cause of foul odors, and ammonia (NH₃), causing precipitation as zinc sulfide (ZnS) or forming zinc-ammonia complexes [Zn(NH₃)₄]²⁺, thereby reducing unpleasant odors.
- Zn²⁺ + H₂S → ZnS ↓ + 2H⁺
- Zn²⁺ + 4NH₃ → [Zn(NH₃)₄]²⁺