- Calcium peroxide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula CaO₂, consisting of calcium and peroxide (O₂²⁻) ions. It appears as a pale yellow or off-white powder that is odorless and sparingly soluble in water.
- When in contact with water, calcium peroxide undergoes slow decomposition, releasing oxygen and forming calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂). This controlled release of oxygen is a key feature that underpins its wide array of applications in environmental remediation, agriculture, and food industries. Calcium peroxide is considered a stable and environmentally friendly oxidizing agent.
- One of the most important uses of calcium peroxide is in environmental cleanup, particularly in soil and groundwater remediation. It is employed to promote aerobic biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons and other organic pollutants by slowly releasing oxygen into contaminated environments. The oxygen enhances microbial activity, accelerating the breakdown of contaminants such as benzene, toluene, xylene, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Compared to other oxidizing agents, calcium peroxide provides a more sustained oxygen release, making it suitable for long-term treatment strategies.
- In agriculture, calcium peroxide is used to improve soil aeration and oxygen availability to plant roots, especially in compacted or waterlogged soils. It also acts as a disinfectant by reducing pathogens in the rhizosphere, promoting healthier root systems. Furthermore, it is utilized in seed coating formulations to improve germination rates and in aquaculture to enhance dissolved oxygen levels in ponds and reduce the buildup of toxic substances like ammonia.
- Calcium peroxide also has applications in the food and personal care industries. In baking, it can be used as a dough conditioner and flour bleaching agent, where it helps improve the texture and appearance of baked goods. It is also found in oral care products such as toothpastes and whitening agents, where its gentle oxidizing action assists in removing stains and reducing oral bacteria.
- In industrial applications, calcium peroxide is used in wastewater treatment to remove sulfides and other odorous compounds. It may also be employed in combination with iron salts in Fenton-like reactions, producing hydroxyl radicals that degrade organic pollutants.
