Chlorination is a water treatment process used to kill microorganisms, keep water clean and clear of disease-carrying organisms. Chlorine is a naturally occurring element that has been used in water treatment for over a century because of its ability to kill bacteria, viruses, protozoa and other waterborne organisms. Chlorination is widely used as a disinfection method. Chlorination is the common method used to disinfect public water supplies. Chlorination is also a popular treatment method for wastewater after it is treated in a wastewater treatment plant.
Chlorination works by releasing chlorine into the water, which reacts with organic and inorganic matter to form chlorine compounds, such as hypochlorous acid (HClO), which is the active disinfecting agent. The most common type of chlorination is free chlorination, which involves adding chlorine directly to the water to create the chlorine compounds. The chlorine compounds then react with organic and inorganic matter in the water, resulting in the formation of disinfectant compounds such as hypochlorous acid and hypochlorites.
Chlorine can be added to the water in a number of ways. The most common method is to add liquid or gaseous chlorine directly to the water. This can be done manually or by using an automatic chlorinator. The chlorine can also be added in the form of tablets or powders, which are added to the water and allowed to dissolve. Chlorination is also sometimes used in combination with other water treatment methods such as filtration and sedimentation.
The effectiveness of chlorination depends on several factors, including the type and concentration of chlorine used, the pH of the water, and the temperature of the water. The amount of time required for the chlorine to work will also depend on these factors. Chlorine is most effective in temperatures between 70- 80 degrees Fahrenheit and in water with a pH of 6 to 8.
There are some drawbacks to chlorination. For example, chlorine is not an effective disinfectant against certain bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, and it can react with some organic matter and form harmful byproducts, such as trihalomethanes (THMs). Chlorine in water can also affect its taste and odor, and over time it can cause the gradual corrosive destruction of water pipes and fittings, as well as corrosion of metals in the water system.
Overall, chlorination is an effective method of disinfecting water, and it is commonly used to disinfect public water supplies. Chlorination is also an economical method, as it requires no additional equipment or materials and it is relatively easy to use. It is important to note, however, that chlorination is not an effective method of disinfecting all organisms, and it can be accompanied by some drawbacks.
