What is a major concern regarding chlorine as a disinfectant in water treatment?

• A. It does not kill bacteria
• B. It can lead to taste and odor issues
• C. It may generate harmful by-products
• D. It is less effective than ozone

Answer: (C)

One of the significant concerns regarding the use of chlorine as a disinfectant in water treatment is that it may generate harmful by-products. When chlorine reacts with organic matter present in the water, it can form disinfectant by-products such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), which have raised health concerns due to their potential links to cancer and other long-term health issues. These by-products can accumulate in drinking water systems, prompting regulatory agencies to set limits on their concentrations to protect public health. The focus on minimizing the formation of these harmful substances is a critical aspect of modern water treatment practices.