Which chemical is commonly used for disinfection in wastewater treatment?

Chlorine is widely recognized as a standard chemical used for disinfection in wastewater treatment due to its effectiveness in killing bacteria and inactivating viruses. Its properties allow it to rapidly react with pathogens present in the water, thus sanitizing it before it is released back into the environment or further processed. Chlorination is a crucial step because it significantly reduces the number of harmful microorganisms, ensuring that treated wastewater meets health and safety standards.

In addition to its efficiency, chlorine is relatively cost-effective and can be applied in various forms, such as gas or liquid formulations. The process can be easily monitored and controlled, which is essential in wastewater treatment facilities. Although other chemicals such as ozone and hydrogen peroxide also possess disinfection capabilities and may be used in specific contexts, chlorine remains the most common choice because of its established history, regulatory approval, and overall practicality in large-scale operations.

While ammonia can be used in some treatment processes, it does not serve as a disinfectant in the way chlorine does, focusing more on nutrient removal instead. Understanding the role of chlorine provides insight into the importance of disinfection in protecting public health and the environment.