Name one disadvantage of using chlorine for disinfection.

Using chlorine for disinfection can lead to the formation of harmful byproducts, which is a significant disadvantage of this method. When chlorine reacts with organic matter in wastewater, it can create compounds such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). These byproducts have been linked to various health concerns, including potential carcinogenic effects when ingested in drinking water. The concern over these harmful substances has led to increased regulatory scrutiny and the search for alternative disinfection methods that do not produce such byproducts. This issue underscores the importance of managing chlorine use carefully to minimize the risks associated with these byproducts while still effectively disinfecting wastewater.