Use of peracetic acid in disinfection of wastewater: a review

The use of peracetic acid (PAA) to disinfect the wastewater has been researched for diverse authors, mainly in European countries, where the microbiological standards to release the effluents in water bodies are more severe and the moderation to use chlorine, due to the raising of trihalometanos is recommended. In this perspective, this work presents a compilation of researches applied directly to environmental sanitation, as well as the researches related to chemical characteristics of PAA and its reaction mechanisms. The combination of this information gives a theoretical and practical view of the use of this oxidant, which contributes to continue the researches in this area, aiming to benefit the environment, economy and public health system.