What type of organisms does microfiltration primarily aim to remove?

Microfiltration is a physical filtration process designed to remove particles from water that are larger than 0.1 to 10 micrometers in size. The primary organisms targeted by microfiltration include protozoa and bacteria, which fall within this size range. This type of filtration utilizes membranes to effectively separate these microorganisms from water, thus playing a crucial role in ensuring water quality and safety.

Protozoa, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, are often a concern in drinking water sources due to their resilience and potential to cause health issues. Bacteria can also be pathogenic and are of significant concern in water treatment processes. By effectively removing these organisms, microfiltration helps in reducing the risk of waterborne diseases and enhances the overall safety of the water supply.

In contrast, viruses are typically smaller than the size range addressed by microfiltration and require finer filtration methods, such as ultrafiltration or reverse osmosis, for removal. Nutrients and heavy metals, while important water quality parameters, are not effectively removed by microfiltration, as they exist in dissolved or very fine particulate forms that typically pass through these membranes. Thus, microfiltration is specifically effective for targeting protozoa and bacteria, making this answer the most suitable