(a chemical used to disinfect water)
Municipalities have relied on sodium hypochlorite and chlorine gas for 85% of drinking water treatment globally since 1940. The U.S. EPA mandates residual chlorine levels between 0.2-4.0 mg/L, balancing microbial control with byproduct risks. Modern systems now achieve 99.9999% pathogen reduction through optimized dosing protocols.
Oxidation potential determines chemical effectiveness:
Recent studies show combined chlorine-UV systems reduce trihalomethanes by 68% compared to standalone chlorination.
Manufacturer | Product | Residual (hours) | Cost/1000gal ($) | pH Tolerance |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ecolab | Chloropure® | 72 | 0.18 | 6-9 |
Solvay | Clordisys™ | 48 | 0.22 | 5-10 |
Lenntech | AquaClorin | 96 | 0.25 | 4-11 |
Modular systems adapt to source water characteristics:
Singapore's NEWater plants achieved 40% operational cost reduction through automated chlorine dioxide injection. Phoenix, AZ eliminated legionella outbreaks via switched from gaseous Cl2 to on-site hypochlorite generation.
Next-generation stabilizers now extend chlorine persistence by 300% in warm climates. The 2023 WHO guidelines recommend hybrid systems combining chloramine disinfection with advanced filtration, reducing DBPs below 30 μg/L while maintaining 4-log pathogen removal.
(a chemical used to disinfect water)
A: Chlorine is commonly used to disinfect drinking water. It effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Its residual protection helps maintain water safety during distribution.
A: Sodium hypochlorite or chlorine gas are widely used for water disinfection. These chemicals neutralize harmful microorganisms. They are cost-effective and easy to apply in treatment plants.
A: Ozone is used to disinfect water through a process called ozonation. It destroys pathogens without leaving chemical residues. Ammonia and fluoride serve other purposes in water treatment.
A: Chlorine-based compounds like calcium hypochlorite are standard for pools and tap water. They provide strong disinfection and residual protection. Alternatives like chloramine are also used in some systems.
A: Chlorine is the disinfectant among these options. It inactivates microbes to ensure safe drinking water. Nitrogen and carbon dioxide are unrelated to disinfection processes.