Course:
Power of Chlorine
Chlorine has a fascinating history! Its use in water treatment goes way back to 1850 for emergencies. Continuous chlorination of public water supplies began in 1904 in England and followed in the U.S. around 1909. Chlorine has arguably saved more lives than antibiotics.
Chlorine is one of the most widely used disinfectants. It is very effective for the deactivation of pathogenic microorganisms.
Chlorination has been used on an emergency basis from as far back as 1850. Continuous chlorination of public water supplies began in 1904 in England and was followed by the U.S. around 1909
Chlorine may have saved more lives than antibiotics.
Chlorine is one of the most widely used disinfectants. It is very applicable and very effective for the deactivation of pathogenic microorganisms. Chlorine can be easily applied, measured and controlled. It is fairly persistent and relatively cheap.
Chlorine has a rich history of use, particularly in water treatment and sanitation.
1. 1774: Chlorine was discovered by the Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele. He initially called it “dephlogisticated muriatic acid air” due to the prevailing phlogiston theory of the time.
2. 1810: Sir Humphry Davy, a British chemist, recognized chlorine as an element and gave it the name “chlorine,” derived from the Greek word “chloros,” meaning greenish-yellow, due to the gas’s color.
1. Bleaching Agent By the early 19th century, chlorine was used as a bleaching agent in the textile industry, replacing older, less effective methods.
2. Disinfection: The disinfectant properties of chlorine were recognized, leading to its use in cleaning and sanitizing.
1. Mid-19th Century: Chlorine was first used in water treatment to combat waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid. This was a significant public health advancement.
2. 1908: The first continuous use of chlorine for drinking water disinfection was in Jersey City, New Jersey. This successful implementation helped to rapidly decrease the incidence of waterborne diseases.
Development of Chlorine Compounds
1. Calcium Hypochlorite: Known as “bleaching powder,” this compound was widely used for water treatment in the early 20th century.
2. Sodium Hypochlorite: Often used in liquid form, commonly known as bleach, for disinfection and sanitation.
3. Chloramines: Used as a disinfectant in some water systems to reduce the formation of potentially harmful by-products.
1. Chemical Warfare: Chlorine gas was infamously used as a chemical weapon during World War I, causing significant casualties and highlighting its potent toxicity.
1. Swimming Pools: Chlorine is widely used to disinfect swimming pools, maintaining water quality and preventing the spread of infections.
2. Wastewater Treatment: Chlorine continues to be a key component in treating sewage and industrial waste, ensuring environmental safety.
3. Household Products: Chlorine-based products are common in household cleaners, providing effective disinfection and sanitation.
1. By-Products: The formation of potentially harmful by-products, such as trihalomethanes (THMs), during water chlorination has led to increased regulation and the development of alternative disinfection methods.
2. Safety Regulations: Ongoing research and regulation aim to balance the benefits of chlorine use with minimizing its risks to human health and the environment.
Chlorine has played a crucial role in improving public health through its use in water treatment and sanitation. Despite its benefits, careful management and regulation are necessary to address associated health and environmental concerns.
Chlorine is the chemical most often used to keep swimming pools and Jacuzzis free of bacteria that can be hazardous to humans.
