What is the primary function of chlorine in water treatment?

The primary function of chlorine in water treatment is to disinfect water by killing pathogenic microorganisms. Chlorine is a powerful oxidizer and has been widely used in water treatment processes for its effectiveness in eliminating harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can cause waterborne diseases. The disinfection process involves adding chlorine to the water, which reacts with these microorganisms to destroy them, making the water safe for public consumption.

While chlorine does contribute to some degree of taste quality improvement, its main role is not specifically to enhance taste. The removal of suspended solids is typically achieved through physical or chemical processes such as sedimentation and filtration, rather than through disinfection methods. Additionally, enhancing water color is not a function of chlorine; in fact, chlorine is used more for its role in sanitation than for color treatment. Thus, the most accurate understanding of chlorine’s primary function centers around its disinfecting capabilities.