What is the primary purpose of breakpoint chlorination?

The primary purpose of breakpoint chlorination is to effectively remove pathogens from water. This process involves adding chlorine to wastewater until the point known as "breakpoint" is reached. At this stage, the chlorine reacts with all available organic and inorganic compounds in the water, and once it reaches this critical threshold, any additional chlorine reacts predominantly with remaining pathogens.

Breakpoint chlorination is essential in wastewater treatment because it ensures that sufficient chlorine levels are present to achieve disinfection, which is vital for preventing the spread of waterborne diseases. By ensuring the removal of pathogens, this process contributes significantly to public health safety and the overall effectiveness of wastewater treatment efforts.

While other processes like nutrient removal, color removal, and addressing taste and odor are important aspects of wastewater management, they are not the primary goals of breakpoint chlorination. The specific focus on pathogen elimination underscores its importance in ensuring safe and clean water.