Why is potassium permanganate used for purifying drinking water ?

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Why is potassium permanganate used for purifying drinking water ?

It kills germs
It dissolves the impurities
It is a reducing agent
It is an oxidizing agent
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2017
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The correct answer is It is an oxidizing agent.
Potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) is a strong oxidizing agent. Its oxidizing properties are utilized in water purification to kill bacteria and other microorganisms (germs), and to oxidize impurities like dissolved iron and manganese, causing them to precipitate and be easily removed.
While potassium permanganate does kill germs, this action is a result of its oxidizing property. It does not dissolve impurities; rather, it helps in their precipitation after oxidation. It is distinctly an oxidizing agent, not a reducing agent. Therefore, its role as an oxidizing agent is the fundamental reason for its use in purifying drinking water.

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