Herein, we report the use of breakpoint chlorination for the removal of ammonia from river water. Batch experiments were used to fulfil the goals of this study. Evaluated parameters include hydraulic retention time (HRT), and chemical species concentration. Experimental results denoted the feasibility of removing close to 99 % of ammonia from river water using chlorination. The removal efficacy of ammonia was observed to increase with an increase in chlorine concentration until the breakpoint

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... s reached. Optimum conditions, which were suitable for the removal of ammonia were observed to be pH of 6-8 and 30 minutes of HRT. Chlorine-ammonia ratios were observed to be between 7:1 and 8:1 for synthetic water and river water, respectively. This study showed effective attenuation of ammonia with an increase in chlorine concentration. However, there were disinfection by-products (trihalomethanes) which were observed in the product water, albeit their levels being within the South African National Standard (SANS) for drinking water. In light of the above, it can be concluded that breakpoint chlorination could be an alternative treatment option for the removal of ammonia from drinking water.