Which of the following chemicals can be added to the public water supply to act as a disinfectant?

Which of the following chemicals can be added to the public water supply to act as a disinfectant?
A . Fluoride
B . Chlorine
C . Trihalomethanes
D . Haloacetic acids

Answer: B

Explanation:

Chlorine is a chemical commonly added to public water supplies as a disinfectant. Its primary function is to kill harmful microorganisms to make water safe for drinking and other uses. This process helps prevent the spread of waterborne diseases. Chlorine’s effectiveness as a disinfectant comes from its ability to oxidize bacteria and viruses, rendering them harmless. While other chemicals like fluoride are added for different purposes such as dental health, chlorine specifically targets microbial pathogens to ensure water potability.