What is the primary use of chlorine in water treatment?

Chlorine is primarily used as a disinfectant in water treatment processes. Its main role is to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa that can contaminate drinking water and pose health risks. Chlorine works effectively as an oxidizing agent, disrupting the cellular processes of these microbes, and is a crucial step in ensuring that the water is safe for public consumption.

The importance of chlorine as a disinfectant lies in its ability to provide a residual effect, meaning it continues to protect the water from recontamination as it travels through the distribution system. This property is beneficial for maintaining water quality from the treatment plant to the consumer's tap.

The other options, such as coloring agents, pH stabilizers, and flocculants, serve different purposes in water treatment. Coloring agents are not typically used in the treatment process, as they would not contribute to the safety or quality of drinking water. pH stabilizers help in maintaining the balance of acidity and alkalinity in water but do not provide disinfection. Flocculants aid in the removal of suspended particles through coagulation, but they also do not disinfect. Therefore, the role of chlorine as a disinfectant is vital and distinct in the context of water treatment