What is the function of a chemical oxygen scavenger in water treatment?

A chemical oxygen scavenger primarily serves to neutralize dissolved oxygen in water systems. This is crucial because dissolved oxygen can lead to corrosion in many types of equipment and piping in water treatment processes, especially in closed systems like boilers. By chemically reacting with and consuming the dissolved oxygen, these scavengers help protect metallic surfaces from oxidation and corrosion damage.

This function is particularly important in steam-generating systems, where the presence of oxygen can lead to significant economic losses due to system failures and maintenance needs. Employing a chemical oxygen scavenger effectively reduces the risks associated with oxygen-related corrosion, contributing to the longevity and efficient operation of water treatment systems.

In contrast, while other options might be related to water treatment processes, they do not define the specific role of a chemical oxygen scavenger. For instance, preventing pH fluctuations typically involves using buffers rather than oxygen scavengers, removing heavy metals is often achieved with specialized filtration or ion exchange techniques, and controlling bacteria levels employs biocides or chlorination rather than oxygen scavenging. Thus, the primary role of chemical oxygen scavengers distinctly aligns with the neutralization of dissolved oxygen in water treatment applications.