Kloorijäämäksi

Kloorijäämäksi refers to the residual amount of chlorine or chlorine compounds present in water after disinfection processes. Chlorine is a widely used disinfectant for municipal water supplies due to its effectiveness in killing harmful microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. The goal of chlorination is to achieve a sufficient level of chlorine to neutralize pathogens throughout the distribution system, but it is not always entirely consumed.

The amount of chlorine remaining is known as the free chlorine residual or combined chlorine residual, depending on whether it's in its active form or has reacted with other substances in the water. Maintaining an adequate chlorine residual is crucial for preventing recontamination of the water as it travels through pipes. However, excessively high chlorine residuals can lead to aesthetic issues, such as an unpleasant odor and taste, and can also react with organic matter to form disinfection byproducts, some of which may have long-term health implications.

Regulatory bodies set limits for both minimum and maximum chlorine residuals in drinking water to ensure both safety and palatability. Monitoring and controlling chlorine residuals is a standard practice for water treatment facilities. The measurement of chlorine residuals is typically done using colorimetric methods or electronic meters. Factors influencing the chlorine residual include water temperature, pH, contact time, and the presence of organic matter.