Question

Name two chemicals used to disinfect water.

Answer 1

Hint: A chemical which has the capability to destroy bacteria and other harmful organisms is known as disinfectant.

Complete Answer:
Water disinfection is basically the process by which pathogenic organisms are either killed or prevented. It also works by deactivating the microorganism, as once a microorganism is deactivated, its growth and reproduction stops, thereby, disinfecting. If in case the microorganisms are nor removed from water, the water becomes unfit for consumption as it can make people ill.

In order to disinfect water, the any two chemicals which are used are,
- Chlorine: When chlorine is mixed with water it converts to hypochlorite and hypochlorous acid and they react with the bacterial biomolecules present in the cell and kill the organism
- Ozone - When ozone is dissolved in water, it removes metals like manganese, copper and iron by reacting with them and forming a precipitate.

Additional information: There are several ways by which water is contaminated,
- Presence of human and animal feces.
- Presence of pathogenic microorganism.
- Presence of harmful chemicals.

When water is contaminated by either of these it leads to water pollution. Water pollution is one of the major concerns around the world right now.

Note: There are different ways through which water pollution can be prevented
- Do not dispose of chemicals directly into a waterbody or the household sink.
- Do not wash clothes in rivers or lakes.
- Do not take bath in rivers and lakes.
- Do not throw waste into water bodies.