Chloramines

Definition

Chloramines are chemical compounds that result from the reaction of ammonia with chlorine. They are used as disinfectants in water treatment to kill or inactivate microorganisms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chloramines are less potent than free chlorine but provide a longer-lasting residual effect.
2. They are commonly used in municipal water supplies to maintain microbial control over long distribution networks.
3. Monochloramine, dichloramine, and trichloramine are the three types of chloramines, with monochloramine being the most effective for water disinfection.
4. Chloramines are less likely to form harmful disinfection byproducts like trihalomethanes (THMs) compared to free chlorine.
5. The effectiveness of chloramines can be affected by pH levels, temperature, and the presence of organic matter in the water.

Review Questions

• What is the primary advantage of using chloramines over free chlorine in water treatment?
• Name the three types of chloramines and identify which one is most commonly used for disinfection purposes.
• How do pH levels and temperature affect the efficacy of chloramines in microbial control?

Related terms

Free Chlorine: A form of chlorine that is not combined with ammonia or other compounds, used widely as a disinfectant.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs): Chemical compounds formed when disinfectants react with natural organic matter in water.

Trihalomethanes (THMs): A group of chemicals that can form as byproducts during water disinfection processes involving chlorine.