WATER CHLORINATION Meaning and
Definition
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Water chlorination refers to the process of adding chlorine or chlorine compounds to water as a disinfectant. It is commonly employed to eliminate or control harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, that can be present in water sources.
Chlorine, in the form of chlorine gas (Cl2), sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), or calcium hypochlorite (Ca(ClO)2), is widely used for water chlorination. These chlorine compounds release hypochlorous acid (HOCl) when dissolved in water, which is a potent disinfectant. This acid reacts with the microorganisms and disrupts their essential cellular functions, thereby killing or inactivating them.
Water chlorination is an efficient and cost-effective method to provide safe drinking water. It not only eliminates pathogens but also helps in preventing the spread of waterborne diseases, such as cholera and typhoid fever. Chlorination has been extensively adopted as a crucial step in water treatment and purification processes worldwide to ensure the quality of water supplied to households, industries, and communities.
Despite its efficacy, chlorination may lead to the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter present in water. These DBPs, such as trihalomethanes (THMs), can have potential health risks, which must be considered and regulated to ensure the overall safety of the water supply.
In summary, water chlorination involves the addition of chlorine-based compounds to water in order to destroy or control microbial contaminants. It is a vital process in ensuring the microbiological safety of drinking water and preventing the spread of waterborne diseases.
Etymology of WATER CHLORINATION
The word "water chlorination" is a compound word derived from two primary components: "water" and "chlorination".
The term "water" originates from the Old English word "wæter", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*watōr" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*wódr̥". This word has cognates in several languages, including Dutch "water", German "Wasser", and Latin "aquae" (meaning "water").
On the other hand, "chlorination" is derived from "chlorine", which comes from the Greek word "khlōros" meaning "greenish-yellow" or "pale green". "Chlorine" was first proposed by Humphry Davy as the name for the gaseous element in 1810.
