Introduction

Water is an essential element for human survival, and it is vital that the water supply be safe and clean. The water that comes from natural sources such as lakes, rivers, and wells may contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. Chlorine is used to disinfect water in water treatment plants, ensuring that the water is safe and clean for consumption.

What is Chlorine?

Chlorine is a chemical element with the symbol Cl and atomic number 17. It is a halogen that is found in many compounds, including sodium chloride (table salt) and potassium chloride. Chlorine is a potent disinfectant and is used extensively in the treatment of water to make it safe for consumption.

How Does Chlorine Disinfect Water in a Water Treatment Plant?

Chlorine works by killing harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses present in the water. It does this by destroying the proteins that make up the cell wall of the microorganism. Once the cell wall is destroyed, the microorganism is unable to survive and is effectively eliminated from the water.

There are two main types of chlorine that are used in water treatment plants: chlorine gas and sodium hypochlorite. Chlorine gas is the most common form of chlorine used in water treatment. It is a greenish-yellow gas that is dissolved into the water in the treatment plant. Sodium hypochlorite, also known as bleach, is a liquid chlorine compound that is added to the water in the treatment plant.

Once the chlorine is added to the water, it reacts with the organic matter and other contaminants present in the water. This reaction produces hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ion, which are powerful disinfectants that destroy harmful microorganisms.

The Benefits of Chlorine in Water Treatment

Chlorine is a highly effective and efficient disinfectant that has been used to treat water for over a century. It is an inexpensive method of water disinfection and is able to eliminate many different types of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.

Chlorine also has residual disinfectant properties, which means that it remains in the water after treatment and continues to provide protection against harmful microorganisms. This residual disinfectant helps to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and other microorganisms in the distribution system, ensuring that the water remains safe and clean until it reaches the consumer.

Conclusion

Chlorine is an essential component of water treatment and plays a critical role in ensuring that the water supply is safe and clean. It works by destroying harmful microorganisms present in the water, and its residual disinfectant properties provide ongoing protection against the growth of harmful bacteria and other microorganisms in the distribution system. With the use of chlorine, we can be confident that the water we drink is safe and free of harmful microorganisms.