Which option lists Chlorine as the disinfectant used for waste containing microbial organisms?

• A. Chlorine
• B. Sodium Chloride
• C. Fluorine
• D. Hydrogen Peroxide

Answer: (A)

Disinfection of waste containing microbes relies on agents that can inactivate bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens in water. Chlorine works by forming hypochlorous acid when dissolved in water, a powerful oxidizer that penetrates cell walls and disrupts essential processes, giving broad-spectrum kill and leaving a residual disinfectant to help prevent recontamination as the waste moves through treatment. Sodium chloride is simply table salt and doesn’t disinfect on its own. Fluorine is highly reactive and toxic; it’s not used as a disinfectant for wastewater. Hydrogen peroxide can disinfect, but at large scales it’s less economical and practical than chlorine, which is widely used because of its effectiveness, cost, and ability to provide residual protection.