Which concentration is used for decontamination using calcium hypochlorite and detergent in sea water?

• A. 3-5 percent
• B. 12 percent
• C. 1-2 percent
• D. 9 percent

Answer: (D)

When decontaminating in sea water, you need enough oxidizing chlorine to overcome the buffering and consumption that salts cause, and you also want the solution to wet and cover surfaces effectively. Calcium hypochlorite provides the chlorine, and adding a detergent helps break surface tension so the solution spreads and contacts every contaminate area. In this saline environment, a higher concentration is used to keep enough active chlorine available during the contact time, ensuring thorough neutralization of contaminants. The recommended mixture around nine percent achieves that balance between effectiveness and safety. Lower concentrations in sea water often won’t reach reliable decontamination because of salt interaction, while much higher concentrations can pose greater hazards and corrosion risks.