Chloramine residuals can decompose to release ammonia; this can promote which water quality process?

• A. Oxidation
• B. Nitrification
• C. Coagulation
• D. Sedimentation

Answer: (B)

Ammonia released from chloramine breakdown provides a food source for nitrifying bacteria, triggering nitrification. When chloramines decompose, ammonia becomes available in the water. Nitrifying microorganisms use that ammonia as an energy source and oxidize it first to nitrite, then to nitrate. This biological process consumes disinfectant residual and can lead to a drop in protection, potential nitrite formation, and changes in water quality such as taste and odor. Coagulation and sedimentation are physical-chemical treatment steps, not processes driven by ammonia availability, and oxidation isn’t the primary change described here.