What method is commonly used for disinfection in wastewater treatment?

Chlorination and ultraviolet (UV) light treatment are two of the most widely used methods for disinfection in wastewater treatment processes. Chlorination involves adding chlorine to the wastewater, which effectively kills or inactivates harmful pathogens and bacteria. This method has been a staple in wastewater treatment due to its effectiveness, ease of application, and ability to provide residual disinfection in the treated effluent, which is important for preventing recontamination as the water is transported.

On the other hand, UV light treatment disinfects wastewater by exposing it to ultraviolet radiation. This method disrupts the DNA of microorganisms, rendering them incapable of reproduction and infection. UV treatment is increasingly popular due to its chemical-free nature, which avoids the potential formation of harmful chlorinated byproducts, and it has a minimal environmental impact.

While other methods like microwave treatment and ozone treatment can also be effective for disinfection, they are less commonly employed on a large scale in wastewater treatment plants compared to chlorination and UV light, which are established processes with proven reliability. Biological filtration, although vital in removing organic matter and some pathogens, does not effectively ensure complete disinfection when it comes to disease-causing microorganisms.