How does chlorination function as a method of disinfection in wastewater treatment?

Chlorination functions as a method of disinfection in wastewater treatment primarily by adding chlorine to the water, which serves to inactivate pathogens. When chlorine is introduced into the wastewater, it reacts with microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, effectively destroying their cell structure or disrupting their metabolic processes. This process ensures that harmful pathogens are eliminated before the treated water is released back into the environment or reused.

Chlorine is a powerful oxidizing agent, and its effectiveness in disinfection is well-documented. It can be applied in various forms, such as chlorine gas, sodium hypochlorite, or calcium hypochlorite, allowing flexibility depending on the treatment plant's needs and operational capabilities. The residual chlorine also helps maintain disinfection levels while the water moves through the treatment system.

The other methods for disinfection mentioned do not involve the use of chlorine. Ultraviolet light and ozone treatment are alternative disinfection processes that utilize different mechanisms for inactivating pathogens but are not reliant on chlorine. Similarly, increasing the temperature of the wastewater may help with some bioprocesses but is not a viable disinfection method like chlorination. Hence, the focus on the addition of chlorine highlights its essential role in the wastewater treatment process