Chapter 13C: Understanding Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP)

ORP measures the relative balance between oxidizing and reducing forces in water.

Again, (sorry but this is Substack so I have to keep repeating this for this multi-sectioned chapter), not that I want you to, but if you are uninterested or unknowledgeable in the biochemical and metabolic pathways that I will elucidate in the following, again, I suggest skimming, or just outright skipping to Chapter 15 - “Minerals Made Simple: How Nature’s Elements Keep Water, Plants, and People Alive” This way you won’t get annoyed with me or complain that I am being too “scienc-ey.”

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Oxidation - How Themarox Enhances Oxidative Balance in Water

We’ve already covered how Themarox promotes flocculation—binding suspended particles and causing them to settle out of solution. Over 250 possible contaminants that can be neutralized or rendered less active are listed here. But what about the role of oxidation itself in water balance?

One of the remarkable observations about Themarox is its ability to enhance the oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) of water—an important measure of how effectively a water system can break down or transform organic materials. Although covered in earlier chapters, let’s cover “re-dox” reactions again so it’s “fresh.”

Oxidation vs. Reduction

• Electrons are the “currency” of energy.
  Reactions that move electrons around power chemistry and biology.

• Oxidation = losing electrons.
  The molecule/atom gives electrons away and becomes more positively charged (or less negative).
  Mnemonic: OIL = Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons).

• Reduction = gaining electrons.
  The molecule/atom accepts electrons and becomes more negatively charged (or less positive).
  Mnemonic: RIG = Reduction Is Gain (of electrons).

• Oxidizing agent: the taker. It takes electrons from something else (so it gets reduced).

• Reducing agent: the giver. It gives electrons to something else (so it gets oxidized).

Historically, oxidation meant “adding oxygen” (iron → rust), and reduction meant “removing oxygen” (ore → metal). Today we define them by electron flow, which covers all cases—even when no oxygen is involved.

• Rusting iron: Iron atoms lose electrons to oxygen → iron oxide (oxidation).

• Browning apple: Phenolic compounds lose electrons → brown pigments (oxidation).

• Bleach/disinfectants: Strong oxidizers pull electrons from microbial molecules → they break.

• Rechargeable battery: One side oxidizes (releases electrons to the circuit), the other reduces (accepts electrons). When you charge it, the directions reverse.

In biology (why you care)

• Metabolism is controlled electron flow. Nutrients are oxidized (give up electrons); carriers like NAD⁺/NADH and FAD/FADH₂ shuttle those electrons. Mitochondria use the flow to pump protons and make ATP.

• Antioxidants (like glutathione, vitamin C) are reducing agents—they donate electrons to neutralize reactive oxidants (ROS).

So basically, every time you hear the word “redox,” what should be conjured in your mind it simply the “trading of electrons.” Oxidation hands electrons over (to “oxidizing agenst”),; reduction takes them (by reducing agents). The agents are named by what they do to others (oxidizing agent oxidizes the other, reducing agent reduces the other). This electron economy is how batteries run, metals rust, bleach disinfects, and your cells make energy.

OK, so now lets move on to “ORP.” This ia a measure of the relative balance between oxidizing and reducing agents in water. It reflects how readily electrons are exchanged—an essential process in the natural self-purification of rivers, lakes, and groundwater.

Oxygen plays a central role in this process. When oxygen levels are sufficient, a portion of it can form reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydroxyl radicals and peroxides. These compounds participate in natural oxidation–reduction reactions that transform organic residues and help maintain ecological balance.

As the concentration of dissolved oxygen increases, the ORP typically rises—indicating a more oxidizing and self-renewing system. Conversely, low-oxygen environments tend to exhibit lower ORP values, favoring stagnation and reduced biological stability.

What Determines The Oxidating vs Reducing Potential (ORP)?

Several key factors influence ORP:

• Dissolved oxygen levels

• pH and mineral composition

• Presence of additional, natural oxidizing or reducing agents (e.g., organic matter, sulfides, or mineral ions)

In clean aquatic systems, ORP values often range from +300 to +500 millivolts, a range associated with balanced oxygen activity. Heavily loaded or stagnant waters—such as those affected by sewage or industrial runoff—often show lower, more reducing values due to oxygen depletion and organic accumulation.

By encouraging oxygen activation and balanced redox (electron exchange) chemistry, Themarox helps sustain conditions associated with cleaner, more stable water systems—without introducing artificial oxidants like chlorine or ozone..

Next: Chapter 13D: Increasing Electrical Conductivity and Water Dynamics

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P.S. If you’re curious about the volcanic-mineral water purification product that this book led me to help develop, you can find it at Aurmina.com. Think of it as a quiet act of restoration — starting with your water. And yes, I know — I’ve become the guy who includes links at the end. But this one just might change your water (and your mind)

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© 2025 Pierre Kory. All rights reserved.

This chapter is original material and protected under international copyright law. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.