Introduction:

Water is one of the most essential resources for survival of human beings. According to World Health Organization (WHO), about 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water. One of the most effective ways to purify drinking water is through the use of bleach. Bleach or bleaching powder is a chemical compound used in water treatment plants to disinfect water for human consumption.

History of Bleaching Powder:

The first bleaching powder was discovered by a Scottish chemist named Charles Tennant in 1799. He invented a method to make the powder by passing chlorine gas over slaked lime. The powder was then used to whiten clothes, hence the name “bleaching powder”. Later on, it was discovered that the bleach could also be used for disinfecting water in water treatment plants.

How Bleaching Powder Works:

Bleaching powder is a strong oxidizing agent. When added to water, it reacts chemically with water to form hypochlorous acid which is a powerful disinfectant. Hypochlorous acid kills bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that are present in the water.

Benefits of Bleaching Powder:

The use of bleaching powder has several benefits in water treatment plants. Firstly, it is a low-cost solution for water disinfection. Secondly, it is easy to transport and store as compared to other disinfectants like chlorine gas. Thirdly, it does not leave any residual taste or odor in the water after treatment.

Disadvantages of Bleaching Powder:

Despite its benefits, the use of bleaching powder in water treatment plants has some disadvantages. One of them is that it has to be used in the correct concentration. If too little is used, the water may not be effectively disinfected. On the other hand, too much bleach can lead to the formation of harmful by-products like trihalomethanes which are carcinogenic. Additionally, bleaching powder can be harmful to people if ingested in large amounts.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the use of bleaching powder in water treatment plants is an effective way to disinfect water for human consumption. Although it has some disadvantages, the benefits outweigh the risks if used correctly. As such, the use of bleaching powder is recommended for water treatment plants, especially in developing countries where safe drinking water is still a challenge.