Klorijäämille

Klorijäämille refers to residual chlorine found in water after disinfection. Chlorine is a common disinfectant used in water treatment to kill harmful microorganisms like bacteria and viruses, making the water safe for consumption. However, some chlorine remains in the water even after the disinfection process is complete. This residual chlorine is essential for protecting the water from recontamination as it travels through the distribution system to consumers' taps.

There are two main types of chlorine residuals: free chlorine and combined chlorine. Free chlorine, which includes hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and hypochlorite ion (OCl-), is the more potent disinfectant. Combined chlorine is formed when free chlorine reacts with ammonia and other nitrogenous compounds present in the water, resulting in chloramines. Chloramines are less effective disinfectants than free chlorine but have the advantage of being more stable and producing fewer disinfection byproducts.

The concentration of chlorine residuals in drinking water is carefully monitored and regulated by health authorities to ensure both effective disinfection and public safety. While low levels of chlorine residuals are safe and beneficial, excessively high levels can lead to unpleasant taste and odor in the water and may contribute to the formation of disinfection byproducts, some of which are of health concern. Conversely, insufficient chlorine residuals can compromise the water's safety by allowing pathogens to grow. Therefore, maintaining an optimal balance of chlorine residuals is a critical aspect of water quality management.