What role does chlorine play in wastewater treatment?

Chlorine plays a vital role in wastewater treatment primarily as a disinfectant. Its main purpose in this context is to eliminate harmful pathogens that can pose health risks to the public and the environment. By using chlorine, wastewater treatment facilities can significantly reduce the microbial load in treated water, ensuring that any bacteria, viruses, and other potentially harmful microorganisms are effectively neutralized before the water is released back into natural water bodies or repurposed for other uses.

While chlorine is not utilized for nutrient removal, coagulation, or enhancing sedimentation, it is an essential component of the disinfection process. Clarity in the application of chlorine helps operators understand that the primary goal is to protect human health and environmental integrity by making the treated water safe for discharge.