Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification Practice Test

What is a chloramine?

1. Free chlorine

2. A chemical that is formed when chlorine reacts with iron

3. Combined chlorine - a chemical that is formed when chlorine reacts with ammonia

4. A chemical that is formed when chlorine reacts with air

The correct answer is: Combined chlorine - a chemical that is formed when chlorine reacts with ammonia

Chloramine is a compound that forms when chlorine reacts with ammonia, resulting in a class of chemicals known as combined chlorine. This reaction typically occurs during water treatment processes where ammonia is deliberately added to chlorine to create chloramines, which serve as a disinfectant. The formation of chloramines is important because they provide a more stable and longer-lasting disinfection compared to free chlorine, reducing the formation of harmful disinfection byproducts while maintaining bacteriological safety in drinking water and wastewater systems. This characteristic makes chloramines beneficial for maintaining water quality throughout distribution systems. Understanding chloramines is essential for wastewater treatment operators, as they need to manage and monitor the levels of both free and combined chlorine to ensure effective disinfection and compliance with regulatory standards.