What is Total Chlorine?

Total chlorine refers to the sum of free chlorine and combined chlorine present in a water sample. Free chlorine is the portion of chlorine that remains available for disinfecting water and has not yet reacted with contaminants, while combined chlorine refers to chlorine that has already reacted with contaminants, such as nitrogenous compounds or organic matter, forming chloramines. The measurement of total chlorine provides an overall indication of the chlorine content, including both its active (free) and inactive (combined) forms, which is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of water disinfection processes and maintaining water quality standards. This comprehensive assessment ensures that water treatment practices are effectively neutralising pathogens while minimising the potential formation of harmful disinfection byproducts.

Monitoring Total Chlorine in Water

Monitoring total chlorine in water is a critical practice for ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water supplies. Total chlorine, encompassing both free chlorine and combined chlorine (chloramines), serves as a key indicator of water’s disinfectant status and its ability to combat pathogenic organisms. The importance of accurately measuring total chlorine levels cannot be overstated, especially in public water systems where maintaining optimal disinfection levels is essential for protecting public health. With advancements in technology, the process of monitoring chlorine levels continues to evolve, offering more accurate, reliable, and easier methods for detecting total chlorine, thereby facilitating better management of water treatment processes and safeguarding public health.

Swan Analytical Total Chlorine Analysers