What is the Difference Between Chlorine and Chloramine?

Chlorine and chloramine are both used as disinfectants in water treatment processes, but they have some differences in their properties and effects on water quality. Here are the main differences between chlorine and chloramine:

1. Oxidizing Potential: Chlorine has a higher oxidizing potential than chloramine, making it more effective in taste and odor control. Chloramine, on the other hand, is a poor oxidant and is not as effective in controlling taste and odor.
2. Persistence: Chloramine is less volatile and stays active in water longer than chlorine, providing longer-lasting disinfection. However, this also means that chloramine can be more corrosive on pipes, so cities need to be diligent about the stability of the water infrastructure when introducing chloramine treatment.
3. Disinfection By-Products (DBPs): Chlorine is known to form harmful disinfection by-products, which may exceed maximum contaminant levels in some cases. Chloramine, on the other hand, produces fewer DBPs, leading to fewer undesirable tastes and odors.
4. Aquatic and Health Impacts: Chloramine can be a problem for dialysis patients and those with certain respiratory issues, as well as being toxic to fish in aquariums.

In summary, chlorine is a more effective oxidant and provides better taste and odor control, while chloramine is more persistent and produces fewer disinfection by-products. Both disinfectants have advantages and limitations, and the choice between them depends on the specific needs and concerns of the water treatment process.

Comparative Table: Chlorine vs Chloramine

The main differences between chlorine and chloramine are presented in the table below:

Chlorine is a gaseous compound consisting of two chlorine atoms per molecule, while chloramine is a gaseous compound with the chemical formula NH2Cl. Chlorine is a more powerful and faster-acting disinfectant, but it reacts with contaminants more quickly and is used up faster. On the other hand, chloramine is less volatile, stays active in water longer, and usually has less of a chlorine taste and odor. However, chloramine can be more corrosive than chlorine-treated water on pipes.