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Which chemical is used for water purification?
Chlorine
Sodium Chloride
Nitrogen
Oxygen
Chlorine
Chlorine is widely used as a chemical disinfectant in water purification plants to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogenic microorganisms. It effectively safeguards public health by preventing waterborne diseases.
Chlorine is widely used as a chemical disinfectant in water purification plants to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogenic microorganisms. It effectively safeguards public health by preventing waterborne diseases.
Think of chlorine as an invisible guardian patrol in the water supply that neutralizes unwelcome germs before they can reach your tap.
CLO = Chlorine Kills Organisms
Cl2тАЛ+H2тАЛOтЗМHOCl+HCl тАФ Hydrolysis of chlorine in water
HOClтЗМH++OClтИТ тАФ Dissociation into hypochlorite ions
When chlorine is added to water, it undergoes hydrolysis to form hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). Hypochlorous acid is a neutral, powerful oxidizing agent that penetrates pathogen cell walls, disrupting their cellular enzymes and metabolic processes.
Chlorine is the most common municipal water disinfectant globally.
It provides a residual disinfecting effect that protects water throughout distribution pipelines.
Inexpensive and highly effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria and viruses
Leaves a residual concentration to prevent recontamination in pipes
Can react with natural organic matter to form potentially harmful disinfection byproducts (DBPs)
Can cause undesirable taste and odor if overdosed
Municipal drinking water treatment facilities
Swimming pool sanitization
Emergency water disinfection during natural disasters
Standard residual chlorine levels in treated municipal drinking water typically range between 0.2 to 2.0┬аmg/L.
Option B (Sodium Chloride) is common table salt, Option C (Nitrogen) is an inert atmospheric gas, and Option D (Oxygen) supports respiration but lacks disinfectant properties.
A is correct тАФ Chlorine is the standard chemical utilized worldwide for disinfecting drinking water supplies.
Distinguish between chlorine (used for pathogen disinfection) and fluorine compounds (added in trace amounts for dental cavity prevention).