Which method is most effective for removing pathogens from drinking water?

Ozonation is an effective method for removing pathogens from drinking water due to its strong oxidative properties. Ozone (O3) is a powerful disinfectant that can inactivate a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. The ozone molecule can penetrate microbial cell walls and disrupt cellular functions, leading to the destruction of the pathogen. This advantage makes ozonation particularly effective in ensuring safe drinking water.

Additionally, ozone decomposes to oxygen, which leaves no harmful residuals in the water, unlike some other disinfection methods. However, the effectiveness of ozonation can depend on factors such as contact time, ozone concentration, and water quality parameters. It is crucial for water treatment facilities to carefully control these factors to maximize pathogen reduction.

In contrast to ozonation, while chlorination is also a widely used method for disinfecting water, it can leave harmful by-products such as trihalomethanes (THMs). Filtration can remove particles but may not effectively inactivate all pathogens, especially smaller viruses unless advanced techniques are used. Ultraviolet (UV) treatment is another effective disinfection method, which damages the DNA of microorganisms, but it requires clear water conditions to be fully effective and does not provide residual disinfection like