What is referred to as the breakpoint in the chlorination process?

What is referred to as the breakpoint in the chlorination process?

• A. The max threshold of chlorine used
• B. The point of chlorine's free residual
• C. The stage where pollutants are entirely removed
• D. The limit for introducing oxidants

Answer: (B)

In the chlorination process, the breakpoint refers specifically to the point at which the free available chlorine in the water effectively destroys chloramines and other chlorinated organic compounds, reaching a level where the chlorine begins to act solely as a disinfectant. At this stage, any additional chlorine added after overcoming the combined chlorine (chloramines) will result in a measurable increase in free residual chlorine present in the water. Identifying the breakpoint is critical because it indicates that the majority of the nitrogen compounds, which can react with chlorine to form undesirable chloramines, have been oxidized. Following this point, chlorine is available to provide disinfection and maintain residual levels in the distribution system, enhancing water quality for public health protection. Understanding the concept of free residual chlorine is essential, as it is a key indicator of effective disinfection and sanitation in water treatment. This balance ensures that the water not only meets safety standards but also that any residual chlorine remains available to protect against microbial contamination after treatment.

In the chlorination process, the breakpoint refers specifically to the point at which the free available chlorine in the water effectively destroys chloramines and other chlorinated organic compounds, reaching a level where the chlorine begins to act solely as a disinfectant. At this stage, any additional chlorine added after overcoming the combined chlorine (chloramines) will result in a measurable increase in free residual chlorine present in the water.

Identifying the breakpoint is critical because it indicates that the majority of the nitrogen compounds, which can react with chlorine to form undesirable chloramines, have been oxidized. Following this point, chlorine is available to provide disinfection and maintain residual levels in the distribution system, enhancing water quality for public health protection.

Understanding the concept of free residual chlorine is essential, as it is a key indicator of effective disinfection and sanitation in water treatment. This balance ensures that the water not only meets safety standards but also that any residual chlorine remains available to protect against microbial contamination after treatment.