Disinfection
Disinfection is the treatment process that destroys or inactivates pathogens (disease-causing organisms) including, protozoa, bacteria, fungi, and viruses (Pizzi, 2010). There are multiple methods for disinfection including heat, UV radiation, and chemical treatment.
Heat:
Using heat to remove pathogens is a method that has long been
used. Boiling water raises the temperature high enough so that the organisms are
inactivated. Although effective, heat is most useful on a small scale and is not
commonly employed in municipal water treatment.
UV Radiation:
Ultra violet (UV) radiation is an effective method that inactivates pathogens by interacting with their genome. When the pathogens' genetic material absorbs the UV radiation, it experiences photochemical changes that render it harmless to
consumers (Pizzi, 2010).
Ultra violet (UV) radiation is an effective method that inactivates pathogens by interacting with their genome. When the pathogens' genetic material absorbs the UV radiation, it experiences photochemical changes that render it harmless to
consumers (Pizzi, 2010).
Chemicals:
Treatment with the use of chemicals is the most commonly used form of treatment in municipal water treatment systems. Chemical treatment serves a dual role by inactivating pathogens in the
distribution system and affecting improving the taste and odor of the water. Examples of chemicals used for this procedure include bromine, chlorine, chlorine dioxide, iodine, ozone, and potassium permanganate (EPA, 2013). Chlorine is one of the most common chemicals in conventional water treatment processes because it effectively removes color, taste, and odor components from the drinking water and inhibits microbial growth in the distribution system.
Treatment with the use of chemicals is the most commonly used form of treatment in municipal water treatment systems. Chemical treatment serves a dual role by inactivating pathogens in the
distribution system and affecting improving the taste and odor of the water. Examples of chemicals used for this procedure include bromine, chlorine, chlorine dioxide, iodine, ozone, and potassium permanganate (EPA, 2013). Chlorine is one of the most common chemicals in conventional water treatment processes because it effectively removes color, taste, and odor components from the drinking water and inhibits microbial growth in the distribution system.