Water and Wastewater Terms Beginning O

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

oxidizing agent

Any substance, such as oxygen (O₂) or chlorine (Cl₂), that will readily add (take on) electrons. When oxygen or chlorine is added to water or wastewater, organic substances are oxidized. These oxidized organic substances are more stable and less likely to give off odors or to contain disease-causing bacteria. The opposite is a reducing agent.