Which method is commonly used to disinfect water in treatment plants?

Chlorination is a widely used method for disinfecting water in treatment plants due to its effectiveness and relatively low cost. This process involves adding chlorine compounds to the water, which effectively eliminates bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, ensuring that the water is safe for consumption. Chlorine works by damaging the cell walls of microorganisms, disrupting their functions and ultimately leading to their death.

Additionally, chlorination provides a residual disinfectant effect, meaning that it continues to protect the water as it moves through the distribution system, which can help prevent recontamination. This ongoing protection is one reason chlorine remains a standard approach in many water treatment facilities.

While other methods such as ozonation, ultraviolet treatment, and filtration are also effective in disinfection, each has its limitations or specific applications that may not make them as universally applied as chlorination in various treatment processes. For example, ozonation is less commonly used due to its higher cost and requirements for special equipment, ultraviolet treatment requires clear water for effectiveness, and filtration primarily focuses on the physical removal of particles rather than killing microorganisms.