Potassium Permanganate in Water Treatment

This article begins by providing a brief discussion of the history of the use of potassium permanganate in water treatment. Through the use of potassium permanganate in pretreatment, the substances which cause taste and odor as well as soluble manganese and iron, are oxidized. The insoluble manganese and iron are removed by flocculation and filtration. This oxidation process also destroys bacteria and viruses in much the same manner as oxidation with chlorine. The oxidation and bactericidal effect of permanganate does not, however, continue through the filters. Pre‐oxidation with potassium permanganate produces a conditioned water in which the addition of chlorine in post‐treatment accomplishes its job without producing chlorinous odors and tastes.