How does turbidity affect disinfection by chlorine?

Turbidity in water refers to the cloudiness or haziness caused by the presence of suspended particles, such as sediment, microorganisms, or organic matter. When chlorine is used as a disinfectant, it operates by reacting with pathogens in the water to effectively reduce their numbers. However, the presence of turbidity can significantly impact this process.

Bacteria and other microorganisms can become sheltered within the particulate matter that contributes to turbidity. This protective effect means that chlorine may not be able to effectively reach and interact with these microorganisms, reducing the overall effectiveness of the disinfection process. As a result, the pathogens become less susceptible to the disinfecting actions of chlorine due to their physical protection from the suspended particles. This phenomenon underscores the importance of maintaining low turbidity levels in water prior to disinfection to ensure the highest possible efficacy of chlorine treatment.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the relationship between turbidity and chlorine disinfection effectiveness. While increased turbidity might suggest that more particles are present, they do not enhance chlorine activity; rather, they inhibit it. Hence, recognizing that turbidity can provide a protective barrier for bacteria is crucial for understanding disinfection dynamics.