Which of the following is a disadvantage of chlorination?

Which of the following is a disadvantage of chlorination?

• A. It increases the water's pH
• B. It may produce toxic byproducts
• C. It decreases water temperature
• D. It eliminates all bacteria

Answer: (B)

Chlorination is a widely used method for disinfecting drinking water to eliminate harmful bacteria and pathogens. However, one of the notable disadvantages of chlorination is that it may produce toxic byproducts, such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), when chlorine reacts with organic matter present in the water. These byproducts can pose health risks to humans if consumed at high levels over time. Understanding this drawback is crucial for water treatment professionals, as it highlights the importance of monitoring and managing the amount of organic material in the water to minimize byproduct formation. In contrast to this disadvantage, chlorination does not generally have the effect of increasing water's pH significantly, nor does it lead to a decrease in water temperature. Additionally, while chlorination is effective at reducing or eliminating many pathogens, it does not guarantee the complete eradication of all bacteria, especially in cases where biofilms exist or certain types of resistant microorganisms are present. Therefore, the focus on the creation of potentially harmful byproducts through chlorination underscores the need for careful consideration in water treatment practices.

Chlorination is a widely used method for disinfecting drinking water to eliminate harmful bacteria and pathogens. However, one of the notable disadvantages of chlorination is that it may produce toxic byproducts, such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), when chlorine reacts with organic matter present in the water. These byproducts can pose health risks to humans if consumed at high levels over time. Understanding this drawback is crucial for water treatment professionals, as it highlights the importance of monitoring and managing the amount of organic material in the water to minimize byproduct formation.

In contrast to this disadvantage, chlorination does not generally have the effect of increasing water's pH significantly, nor does it lead to a decrease in water temperature. Additionally, while chlorination is effective at reducing or eliminating many pathogens, it does not guarantee the complete eradication of all bacteria, especially in cases where biofilms exist or certain types of resistant microorganisms are present. Therefore, the focus on the creation of potentially harmful byproducts through chlorination underscores the need for careful consideration in water treatment practices.