What is the primary goal of breakpoint chlorination?

The primary goal of breakpoint chlorination is to achieve complete disinfection of water. Breakpoint chlorination refers to the process where sufficient chlorine is added to water to not only react with the chlorine demand (such as organic and inorganic materials) but also to ensure that additional chlorine is available for effective disinfection.

At the breakpoint, all the chlorine demand is satisfied, and any excess chlorine present achieves the desired disinfection levels necessary to eliminate pathogens. This process is crucial in water treatment because it ensures that the water is safe for consumption, eliminating harmful microorganisms effectively.

Other options do not align with the main purpose of breakpoint chlorination. Creating sludge for disposal is a byproduct of certain chemical reactions in water treatment, but it is not the primary intent of chlorination. Re-chlorination is an ongoing maintenance practice in water treatment rather than a specific goal of breakpoint chlorination. Adding nutrients to water could pertain to different treatments, primarily for ecological purposes rather than disinfection. Thus, the focus on achieving complete disinfection reflects the essential objective of breakpoint chlorination methods in water treatment systems.