How does chlorine act as a disinfectant in water systems?

Chlorine acts as a disinfectant in water systems primarily by reacting chemically to kill bacteria and other pathogens. When chlorine is added to water, it forms a variety of chemical compounds that disrupt the cellular processes of microorganisms, ultimately leading to their death. This is a crucial step in water treatment, as it helps ensure that water is safe for consumption and reduces the risk of waterborne diseases.

The effectiveness of chlorine as a disinfectant is dependent on factors such as concentration, contact time, and the physical and chemical characteristics of the water being treated. Chlorine's ability to penetrate cell walls and denature proteins makes it highly effective at disinfecting, thus making it a staple in public water systems for maintaining water quality and safety.

Other options, while they might relate to water treatment or other processes, do not accurately reflect chlorine's role as a disinfectant. For instance, increasing water temperatures may aid in some disinfection processes but is not the mechanism by which chlorine operates. Changing the water's color or adding a pleasant flavor are not relevant to chlorine's disinfecting properties.