Why is potassium permanganate used for purifying drinking water ?
[amp_mcq option1=”It kills germs” option2=”It dissolves the impurities” option3=”It is a reducing agent” option4=”It is an oxidizing agent” correct=”option4″]
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2017
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.