Which chemical is most widely used to destroy microorganisms in water?

Chlorine is the most widely used chemical for disinfecting water to destroy microorganisms due to its effective germicidal properties. It works by attacking the cellular structure of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, effectively rendering them inactive. Chlorine is favored in water treatment processes because it not only disinfects but also provides residual protection as it remains in the water to prevent future microbial growth during distribution.

Chlorine's effectiveness, availability, and cost-effectiveness make it the go-to choice in municipal water treatment facilities worldwide. It can be used in various forms, such as gas, liquid, or solid (e.g., calcium hypochlorite), and is easily integrated into existing water treatment systems. Moreover, chlorine can be combined with other compounds, like ammonia, to form chloramines, which are used as secondary disinfection agents but are not as widely recognized for initial disinfection as chlorine itself.

In contrast, while copper sulfate may be used in some settings, such as treating algal blooms, it is not typically employed as the primary method for disinfection of drinking water. Chloramine, while an effective disinfectant, is mainly utilized as a secondary disinfectant rather than the initial disinfection process. Hydrogen sulfate does not serve as a disinfectant