What is a primary disadvantage of using a hypochlorinator in wastewater treatment?

The primary disadvantage of using a hypochlorinator in wastewater treatment is that it can increase the pH and decrease the effectiveness of disinfection. When hypochlorite is introduced, it may lead to a rise in pH levels due to the chemical reactions occurring in the water. High pH can negatively impact chlorination efficiency, meaning that the disinfectant may not work as effectively against pathogens present in the wastewater.

As the pH increases, the ratio of free chlorine to combined chlorine changes, resulting in less available free chlorine that is an effective disinfectant. Therefore, while hypochlorination is an important method for disinfection, managing and monitoring pH is crucial to ensure that the disinfection process remains effective.