Permanganate may be applied to sites as either potassium permanganate (KMnO4) or sodium permanganate (NaMnO4). Where cost dominates over engineering factors at a site, potassium permanganate is the preferred chemical form because it is more widely available, less costly, and is available in solid form, which facilitates transport and handling. Where other factors are more important, the liquid form of sodium permangante is preferable. When choosing potassium permanganate for application at a site, be aware of three properties that can cause concern to owner, operators or state regulators. First, potassium permanganate is derived from mined potassium ores which, by their nature, typically contain salt and metal.
