kloriidioonid

The term kloriidioonid refers to chloride ions, which are negatively charged ions (anions) composed of a chlorine atom that has gained one electron. They are represented by the chemical formula Cl−. Chloride ions are highly soluble in water and are the most abundant halide ions found in natural water systems, including oceans, seas, rivers, and groundwater, where they are a major component of seawater, contributing to its salinity.

Chloride ions participate in a variety of chemical reactions and biological processes. In the human body, they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of fluids, acid–base equilibrium, and electrolytic transport across cell membranes. They are also essential for the secretion of gastric acid (hydrochloric acid) in the stomach and for the maintenance of proper osmotic pressure in blood plasma. In industrial contexts, chloride ions are involved in the production of chlorine gas, sodium hypochlorite (bleach), and many other chlorine-containing compounds.

The presence of chloride ions in soil and aqueous environments can influence the stability of minerals and affect corrosion processes. In metallurgy, chloride ions accelerate the corrosion of metals such as steel and rebar, particularly in concrete structures exposed to deicing salts. Consequently, environmental monitoring of chloride ion concentrations is important for the assessment of water quality, marine ecosystems, and infrastructure integrity.