Brine is a solution of sodium chloride (NaCl) and water (H2O)
The electrolysis of brine is a large-scale process used to manufacture chlorine from
salt. Two other useful chemicals are obtained during the process, sodium hydroxide
(NaOH) and hydrogen (H2). It is important that the chlorine and sodium hydroxide
produced in the process are separated they react when they come into contact with
each other.
3 uses
chlorine
disinfectant and
purifier manufacture of
hydrochloric acid
sodium hydroxide
processing food products removing pollutants from water
hydrogen
manufacture of
hydrochloric
acid potential as
a pollution-free
fuel
Environmental impacts of the electrolysis of brine on a large scale must be
considered. The process uses a lot of electricity that is mainly produced by the
burning of fossil fuels. During the actual process of electrolysis, metal must be in
contact with the solution of brine. A metal commonly used is mercury which is toxic.
Some mercury escapes into the solution and into the environmen