Final answer:
The acceptable limit for total chlorine in water leaving a carbon filter is dependent on the application, with the EPA's maximum residual disinfectant level for chlorine in drinking water set at 4 ppm. Chlorine levels in swimming pools should not exceed 3.0 ppm for health and safety. Chlorine is also utilized in water purification to oxidize contaminants, and inline filters can reduce its concentration further.
Step-by-step explanation:
The acceptable limit for total chlorine in water leaving a carbon filter is context-dependent, with specific standards varying based on local regulations and the intended use of the water. In general, for drinking water, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates chlorine levels to ensure safety without causing harmful effects. For example, the EPA has set the maximum residual disinfectant level for chlorine in drinking water at 4 milligrams per liter (mg/L), which is equivalent to 4 parts per million (ppm).
In swimming pools, chlorine concentrations should not exceed 3.0 ppm to maintain sanitary conditions while avoiding irritation to swimmers. To achieve a chlorine concentration of 3.0 ppm in a typical 5,000-gallon pool, one would need to add a particular mass of chlorine, calculated based on the volume of the water and the desired ppm concentration.
In water treatment and purification processes, chlorine is used to oxidize and neutralize organic or biological materials. The effectiveness of chlorine treatments can vary, and inline water filters are often used to further reduce concentrations of chlorine and other contaminants in drinking water to safe levels.