Current status of models in determining optimum chlorination practices

Interest in mathematical models for predicting the fate of chlorine in natural waters arose in the 1970's, and evolution of these models has proceeded rapidly. The crudest of the models incorporate empirical estimates of chemical reactions in a single term to predict generic chlorine products such as total residual chlorine or free residual chlorine. A second order of model complexity includes use of multifactor predictor variables to approximate losses of chlorine via chemical reaction, but predictions are still couched in terms of generic chlorine products. The most sophisticated of the current models are based on specific chemical reactions and predict the identity and quantity of some (but not all) of the products resulting from chlorination of natural waters. None of these models have been sufficiently verified, but each has some potential value for assessment of environmental effects of chlorinated discharges. Evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of existing models is presented to stimulate further model development and to direct the focus of chemical studies toward collection of data most critical for derivation of input parameters.