Which chemical is commonly used for disinfection in water treatment?

Chlorine is widely used for disinfection in water treatment because of its effectiveness in neutralizing harmful bacteria and viruses, ensuring the water is safe for consumption. Its ability to penetrate cell walls and break down cellular processes makes it particularly effective in killing pathogens, which is crucial for public health. Chlorine can also form residual compounds, providing ongoing disinfection as water travels through the distribution system. This characteristic is essential for maintaining water safety from the treatment plant to the consumer.

Although other chemicals mentioned have disinfection capabilities, they do not have the same extensive application and legacy in water treatment as chlorine. Fluoride is added for dental health but does not serve as a disinfectant. Ozone, while effective for disinfection and oxidation, can be more costly and lacks a residual effect, making it less practical for long-term water treatment. Hydrogen peroxide is also used as a disinfectant in specific applications but is not typically the primary choice for general water treatment processes.