What substance does chlorine destroy during the disinfection process?

Chlorine primarily serves as a disinfectant in wastewater treatment by targeting and destroying pathogens. These are microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, that can cause diseases in humans and animals. The chlorination process works by releasing chlorine gas or chlorine compounds into the water, which then penetrate the cell walls of these pathogens. This interaction disrupts their cellular functions and ultimately leads to their inactivation or death.

The effectiveness of chlorine in eliminating pathogens is a crucial aspect of ensuring that treated wastewater is safe to be released into the environment or reused, thereby minimizing public health risks associated with waterborne diseases. The process is widely used due to chlorine's ability to rapidly react with and neutralize a broad spectrum of harmful organisms, making it a key component in wastewater treatment protocols.

While chlorine can have other effects on different substances in wastewater, such as oxidizing organic matter or interacting with certain compounds, its primary role in the context of disinfection is to target pathogens, ensuring the safety and health of surrounding communities.