Chlorine disinfection is most effective at what pH level?

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Multiple Choice

Chlorine disinfection is most effective at what pH level?

Explanation:
Chlorine works best as hypochlorous acid, the active disinfecting form. The amount of HOCl is higher when the pH is lower, so the disinfection power is stronger in more acidic conditions. As the water pH rises, HOCl converts to hypochlorite ion, which is a weaker disinfectant, reducing effectiveness. That’s why disinfection is most effective at lower pH.

Chlorine works best as hypochlorous acid, the active disinfecting form. The amount of HOCl is higher when the pH is lower, so the disinfection power is stronger in more acidic conditions. As the water pH rises, HOCl converts to hypochlorite ion, which is a weaker disinfectant, reducing effectiveness. That’s why disinfection is most effective at lower pH.

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