The role of chlorine in drinking water

The main purpose of adding chlorine to drinking water is to ensure the safety and hygiene of water quality. The following are the specific roles of chlorine in drinking water:

1. Sterilization and disinfection Chlorine is a strong oxidant that can effectively kill bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms in water. When chlorine is added to water, it reacts with microorganisms in the water to produce hypochlorous acid, which then decomposes into hydrochloric acid and oxygen. Hydrochloric acid can kill microorganisms, and oxygen can cause microorganisms to die due to lack of oxygen.

2. Antibacterial When chlorine is dissolved in water, it combines with water molecules to form hydroxyl free ions and chloride ions. These ions can react with many organic matter and biologically active substances to produce halogenated hydrocarbons and other harmful substances, thereby inhibiting the growth of microorganisms.

3. Cleaning Chlorine can oxidize many organic substances, turning organic matter into water-soluble salts and removing them, thereby cleaning water3.

4. Preventing algae growth A moderate amount of free chlorine can also inhibit the growth of algae in water and prevent the deterioration of water quality.

5. Keep pipes clean The presence of free chlorine can also inhibit bacterial growth in pipes, further protecting water quality.

Precautions Although chlorine plays an important role in disinfection and ensuring water quality safety, it also has some potential negative effects. For example, chlorine may change the taste and smell of drinking water, and excessive chlorine is harmful to human health and may cause respiratory, skin and eye problems. In addition, some harmful residues such as chlorides may be produced during the chlorine disinfection process.

In short, chlorine plays a key role in disinfection and sterilization in drinking water treatment, but its concentration and use time need to be strictly controlled during use to ensure the safety and hygiene of water.