Which stage in water treatment is primarily responsible for removing bacteria?

Which stage in water treatment is primarily responsible for removing bacteria?

• A. Coagulation
• B. Filtration
• C. Disinfection
• D. Sedimentation

Answer: (C)

The stage primarily responsible for removing bacteria in water treatment is disinfection. This step focuses on eliminating or inactivating pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, to ensure that the water is safe for consumption. Common disinfection methods include chlorination, ultraviolet (UV) light treatment, and ozonation. Each of these techniques effectively targets and destroys harmful microorganisms, making this stage critical for public health. Coagulation, while important, primarily serves to aggregate suspended particles and impurities, which aids in their subsequent removal but does not directly kill bacteria. Filtration follows coagulation and sedimentation, and it helps remove particulate matter from the water, including some microorganisms, but does not guarantee the complete elimination of all bacteria. Sedimentation allows suspended solids to settle out of the water but is less effective in addressing microbial removal. Therefore, disinfection stands out as the essential process for ensuring that any remaining bacteria are effectively managed before the water is distributed.

The stage primarily responsible for removing bacteria in water treatment is disinfection. This step focuses on eliminating or inactivating pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, to ensure that the water is safe for consumption. Common disinfection methods include chlorination, ultraviolet (UV) light treatment, and ozonation. Each of these techniques effectively targets and destroys harmful microorganisms, making this stage critical for public health.

Coagulation, while important, primarily serves to aggregate suspended particles and impurities, which aids in their subsequent removal but does not directly kill bacteria. Filtration follows coagulation and sedimentation, and it helps remove particulate matter from the water, including some microorganisms, but does not guarantee the complete elimination of all bacteria. Sedimentation allows suspended solids to settle out of the water but is less effective in addressing microbial removal. Therefore, disinfection stands out as the essential process for ensuring that any remaining bacteria are effectively managed before the water is distributed.