Sodium Thiosulfate is commonly used to neutralize which chemical in water treatment?

Sodium Thiosulfate is widely used in water treatment primarily for its effectiveness in neutralizing chlorine. Chlorine is a common disinfectant used in water treatment to eliminate pathogens and ensure water safety. However, residual chlorine can be harmful if left in the water supply, particularly for aquatic life and in other water uses.

When sodium thiosulfate is added to water containing chlorine, it reacts with it to form non-toxic compounds, primarily chloride ions, effectively removing the chlorine from the water. This neutralization process is vital for ensuring that the water is safe for distribution and does not pose risks to users or the environment.

In contrast, the other options listed—fluoride, nitrate, and chloramine—are not neutralized by sodium thiosulfate in the same manner. Fluoride is often adjusted with different chemical treatments, nitrate is dealt with through biological processes or ion exchange methods, and chloramine, which is another disinfectant, requires other chemical agents for neutralization, such as breakpoint chlorination or specific dechloraminating agents. Thus, the primary role of sodium thiosulfate is specifically aligned with the neutralization of chlorine in water treatment processes.