Why Is Chlorine Used To Sterilize Drinking Water?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Chlorine kills pathogens such as bacteria and viruses by breaking the chemical bonds in their molecules . Disinfectants that are used for this purpose consist of chlorine compounds which can exchange atoms with other compounds, such as enzymes in bacteria and other cells. ... This results in disinfection.

Why is chlorine used instead of ozone for treating drinking water?

Ozone is one of the strongest and fastest commercially available disinfectant and oxidant for water treatment, purifying water 3000 time faster than chlorine . In approved doses, ozone can treat all water borne pathogens (bacteria, viruses, yeast, molds, cysts, mildew), while chlorine cannot kill protozoa.

Why are chlorine compounds preferred over ozone gas for disinfection of drinking water?

Within chlorine oxidizing biocides , ClO2 is the most powerful disinfectant . ... Ozone functions as both an oxidant and disinfectant in the treatment of drinking water and wastewater. Ozone’s germicidal properties are associated with its high oxidation potential.

Why chlorination is most preferred method of disinfection?

In conclusion, chlorination is the most common, effective and cheapest disinfection method of water . At the same time, it is an effective microbiocide against all water-borne pathogens, although it can cause by-products after disinfection of drinking or pool water disinfection.

How does chlorine purify water?

Chlorine is currently employed by over 98 percent of all U.S. water utilities that disinfect drinking water. ... Researchers postulated that chlorine, which exists in water as hypochlorite and hypochlorous acid, reacts with biomolecules in the bacterial cell to destroy the organism .

Is ozone stronger than bleach?

One of the most powerful disinfectants is ozone. In fact, when compared to the most popular disinfectant chlorine bleach, the effects of ozone sanitation are 1000 times stronger than chlorine bleach and kills any and all bacteria and viruses within 2 seconds!

What is the disadvantage of using ozone to disinfect water?

* Ozonation is more complex than other disinfection technologies. Ozone is very reactive and corrosive , thus requiring corrosion-resistant material, such as stainless steel. Ozonation is not economical for poor quality (poorly treated) wastewater.

Is chlorinated water safe to drink?

Is chlorinated water safe to drink? Yes . The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits the amount of chlorine in drinking water to levels that are safe for human consumption. The levels of chlorine used for drinking water disinfection are unlikely to cause long-term health effects.

What are the two chemicals used to disinfect water?

Chlorine and chloramine are the major disinfectants used in public water systems.

Can chlorine in water make you sick?

Chlorine reacts with water outside of the body and on mucosal surfaces inside your body — including the water in your digestive tract — causing hydrochloric acid and hypochlorous acid to form. Both of these substances can be extremely poisonous to humans .

What are the two methods of disinfection?

Disinfection methods include thermal and chemical processes . Moist heat may be used for items such as crockery, linen and bedpans e.g. automated processes in a machine. Specific chemical disinfectants can be used to decontaminate heat sensitive equipment and the environment.

Is boiling water a good disinfectant?

Boiling is a very simple method of water disinfection. Heating water to a high temperature, 100°C, kills most of the pathogenic organisms, particularly viruses and bacteria causing waterborne diseases. In order for boiling to be most effective, the water must boil for at least 20 minutes .

What are the different methods of disinfection?

  • Chemical Disinfectants. Alcohol. Chlorine and chlorine compounds. Formaldehyde. Glutaraldehyde. Hydrogen peroxide. ...
  • Miscellaneous Inactivating Agents. Other germicides. Metals as microbicides. Ultraviolet radiation. Pasteurization. Flushing- and washer-disinfectors.
  • Regulatory Framework for Disinfectants and Sterilants.

How does chlorine in water affect my health?

When chlorine enters the body as a result of breathing, swallowing, or skin contact, it reacts with water to produce acids . The acids are corrosive and damage cells in the body on contact.

Why is chlorine added to the filtered water before supplying it to the city?

Pollution of Air and Water. ... Chlorine is added to the filtered water before supplying it to the people in a city to purify the water .

Does boiling water remove chlorine?

Yes, boiling water for 15 minutes is one way to release all the chlorine from tap water. At room temperature, chlorine gas weighs less than air and will naturally evaporate off without boiling. Heating up water to a boil will speed up the chlorine removal process.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.