What is potassium permanganate primarily used for in wastewater treatment?

Potassium permanganate is primarily used for odor control in wastewater treatment. This compound acts as an oxidizing agent and is effective in breaking down organic compounds that contribute to unpleasant odors. By oxidizing these compounds, potassium permanganate helps reduce the foul smells often associated with anaerobic conditions in wastewater.

While it does have some capabilities that can lend themselves to other functions—such as aiding in the coagulation process through oxidizing certain materials—it’s not primarily recognized for that use. Its role in stabilization and disinfection is also limited compared to its effectiveness in controlling odors. Hence, its principal application lies in mitigating the odor issues that can arise during wastewater treatment processes.