Which method is commonly used to remove chlorine from drinking water?

Activated carbon filtration is widely recognized as an effective method for removing chlorine from drinking water. This process involves passing water through a bed of activated carbon, which has a high surface area and is specially treated to enhance its adsorption properties. The chlorine molecules present in the water are attracted to and bind with the surface of the activated carbon, thus effectively reducing the concentration of chlorine in the water.

This method is favored in water treatment because it not only removes chlorine but can also reduce other contaminants, such as volatile organic compounds and taste and odor issues, contributing to improved water quality. Additionally, activated carbon filtration is relatively easy to implement and maintain, making it a practical choice for both municipal and household water treatment systems.

Other methods, such as boiling, while effective for disinfection by killing pathogens, do not specifically target chlorine removal and may actually increase the concentration of chlorine in water due to evaporation of water vapor. Reverse osmosis is another advanced water treatment method that can remove a wide range of contaminants, including chlorine, but it is relatively more complex and expensive compared to activated carbon filtration. Centrifugation is typically not used for removing chlorine, as it is a physical separation process that is better suited for separating solids from liquids rather than for chemical removal.