Sodium hypochlorite is primarily used for which purpose?

Sodium hypochlorite is primarily used for disinfection, which makes it an essential chemical in water treatment processes. It effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens in water, ensuring that the water is safe for consumption and use. Its release of chlorine when dissolved in water makes it a powerful oxidizing agent, which further assists in breaking down organic materials and eliminating harmful microorganisms.

While sodium hypochlorite does play a role in water treatment as part of the overall disinfection process, its key function is specifically as a disinfectant. This distinction is important because the effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite in sanitizing water stems from its ability to eliminate pathogens rather than solely adjusting characteristics of the water like pH or providing nutrients as a fertilizer would. Therefore, understanding its primary application as a disinfectant highlights its critical role in maintaining public health through safe drinking water.