The invention relates to a composition and a process for disinfection, and particularly for disinfection and purification of contaminated "water. The invention is especially useful for removal of suspended impurities and harmful microbial contaminants like bacteria, viruses and cysts from water to make it healthy and palatable for human consumption. it is one object of the invention to provide for a composition for purifying water contaminated with harmful micro-organisms while ensuring that the water is safe and palatable to consume. Accordingly the invention provides a solid disinfection composition comprising an oxidising agent and a biocide quencher which is a solid matrix.