Cloración

Cloración is the process of adding chlorine or chlorine compounds to water. This is most commonly done for disinfection purposes, to kill harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Chlorine is a powerful oxidizing agent that effectively neutralizes these pathogens, making water safer for consumption and other uses. The process can involve adding elemental chlorine gas, sodium hypochlorite (liquid bleach), or calcium hypochlorite (solid chlorine).

The effectiveness of cloración depends on several factors, including the concentration of chlorine used, the contact time, and the water's pH and temperature. Proper dosage is crucial; too little chlorine may not adequately disinfect the water, while too much can result in unpleasant taste and odor, and potentially form harmful disinfection byproducts. Monitoring residual chlorine levels is a standard practice to ensure effective disinfection is maintained throughout the distribution system.

Beyond disinfection, cloración can also be used for other water treatment applications. It can help control algae growth, remove odors and tastes caused by organic matter, and oxidize dissolved iron and manganese, which can cause staining. While highly effective and widely used, concerns about the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) have led to research and implementation of alternative disinfection methods or complementary treatments in some water systems.