Final answer:
Chlorine and aluminum sulfate are two chemicals used to remove contaminants from drinking water. Chlorine is used in its various forms for disinfection, while aluminum sulfate is employed during coagulation and flocculation processes to clean the water.
Step-by-step explanation:
Two chemicals commonly used to remove contaminants from drinking water are chlorine & aluminum sulfate. Chlorine is utilized in various forms such as chlorine gas, sodium hypochlorite, and chloramines for disinfection, effectively killing bacteria and other harmful organisms. Aluminum sulfate is used in coagulation and flocculation, which are processes that help remove dirt and other particles from the water.
Chlorination, the addition of chlorine to water, is the most common method to make water safe for consumption. It removes bacteria and other biological contaminants. Coagulation and flocculation involve the addition of chemicals with a positive charge, like aluminum sulfate, which bind with impurities to form larger particles that can be easily removed. These processes make the water clearer and safer for drinking.
Rather than using chlorine gas directly, which can be hazardous, water treatment facilities often deploy safer methods such as hypochlorite solutions that gradually release chlorine. The use of chlorine and chloramines in water treatment ensures the water is disinfected without needing harmful levels of chemicals.