Chlorine is most commonly used in water treatment for what purpose?

Chlorine is predominantly used in water treatment primarily for its disinfection properties. Disinfection is the process of eliminating or inactivating pathogenic microorganisms in water to make it safe for human consumption and other uses. Chlorine effectively destroys bacteria, viruses, and some protozoa, thereby reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.

In water treatment facilities, chlorine is added to water supplies as a means to ensure that harmful organisms are eliminated throughout the distribution system. The effectiveness of chlorine as a disinfectant stems from its ability to penetrate cell walls of microorganisms, leading to their destruction. This makes it a critical component in maintaining public health standards related to drinking water quality.

While the other processes mentioned—flocculation, oxidation, and coagulation—play important roles in water treatment, they do not primarily focus on disinfecting water. Flocculation and coagulation are processes aimed at removing suspended particles from water, while oxidation may involve treating water to remove certain contaminants but does not equate to the broad disinfection capabilities that chlorine offers.