What does chlorination do in the wastewater treatment process?

Chlorination plays a crucial role in the wastewater treatment process, primarily serving as a means of disinfection. When chlorine is added to treated wastewater, it effectively kills a wide variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, which can pose health risks if they enter the environment or drinking water supplies.

The disinfection process using chlorination ensures that the treated water meets safety standards before being released into the environment or reused for various purposes. By targeting harmful microorganisms, chlorination significantly reduces the potential for waterborne diseases and contamination.

While other methods may address aspects like filtration or odor control, chlorination specifically targets the microbial infection risk, making it an essential step in ensuring the safety and quality of treated wastewater.