Which of the following describes the chemical process of chlorination?

The process of chlorination primarily involves the reaction of chlorine with organic matter in water. This is an essential step in water treatment, as chlorine acts as a disinfectant, targeting and reacting with contaminants found in the water. When chlorine is added to water, it can react with various organic compounds, leading to the formation of disinfectant byproducts, which are a crucial consideration in water quality management.

This reaction is significant because it not only helps in killing or inactivating pathogenic microorganisms, thereby ensuring the microbiological safety of drinking water, but it can also lead to the formation of harmful byproducts if not carefully managed. Understanding this interaction is vital for effective water treatment processes and for adhering to regulatory standards.

Other options, while related to water treatment, do not describe the chlorination process itself. Chlorine’s interaction with heavy metals pertains more to its ability to precipitate these metals rather than to the disinfection process. Ozone usage for disinfection and the incorporation of UV light are both alternative disinfection methods, but they do not involve chlorination.