Jäännösklooritasoihin

Jäännösklooritasoihin refers to the concentration of active chlorine that remains in a disinfected water supply after the primary disinfection process has occurred. This residual chlorine is crucial for maintaining water quality as it travels through the distribution system to the consumer's tap. The presence of residual chlorine provides a safeguard against recontamination by bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that might enter the water after it leaves the treatment plant. Chlorine is a strong oxidizing agent and disinfectant, effectively killing or inactivating a wide range of pathogens.

The target level of residual chlorine is carefully managed by water utilities. Too low a level may not provide adequate protection against recontamination, while too high a level can lead to unpleasant taste and odor issues for consumers and can also react with organic matter in the water to form disinfection byproducts (DBPs), some of which are of health concern. Regulatory agencies set maximum permissible levels for residual chlorine and DBPs in drinking water to ensure public health.

Different types of residual chlorine exist, including free chlorine (e.g., hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ions) and combined chlorine (formed when chlorine reacts with ammonia). Free chlorine is generally a more effective disinfectant. Monitoring residual chlorine levels is a routine practice in water treatment and distribution to ensure the effectiveness of disinfection and compliance with water quality standards. The measurement typically involves colorimetric testing methods.