Why is ultraviolet disinfection particularly suitable for groundwater treatment?

Why is ultraviolet disinfection particularly suitable for groundwater treatment?

• A. It provides a long-lasting residual
• B. It does not provide a lasting residual
• C. It removes organic materials effectively
• D. It is cost-effective and simple

Answer: (B)

Ultraviolet disinfection is particularly suitable for groundwater treatment primarily because it does not provide a lasting residual. This characteristic is significant in the context of groundwater treatment for a few reasons. Groundwater sources often require immediate disinfection to ensure that pathogens are killed effectively before the water enters the distribution system. Ultraviolet light works by disrupting the DNA of microorganisms, rendering them inactive. However, once the water is treated and leaves the UV system, no residual disinfectant remains to continue providing protection as the water moves through the distribution network. This characteristic can be advantageous in scenarios where maintaining the chemical taste or potential reactions from residual disinfectants is a concern. Some treatment scenarios might prefer avoiding residual chemicals while ensuring that water is free from pathogens at the point of use. In contrast, other disinfection methods, like chlorination, do leave a residual in the water, which can continue to eliminate pathogens that may enter the system after treatment. However, in groundwater treatment specifically, the immediacy of disinfection without residual is often prioritized over prolonged protection, aligning with the preferences of many water treatment facilities. While other options have their benefits, they do not capture the essence of UV disinfection's operational suitability and the specific dynamics involved in groundwater treatment

Ultraviolet disinfection is particularly suitable for groundwater treatment primarily because it does not provide a lasting residual. This characteristic is significant in the context of groundwater treatment for a few reasons.

Groundwater sources often require immediate disinfection to ensure that pathogens are killed effectively before the water enters the distribution system. Ultraviolet light works by disrupting the DNA of microorganisms, rendering them inactive. However, once the water is treated and leaves the UV system, no residual disinfectant remains to continue providing protection as the water moves through the distribution network.

This characteristic can be advantageous in scenarios where maintaining the chemical taste or potential reactions from residual disinfectants is a concern. Some treatment scenarios might prefer avoiding residual chemicals while ensuring that water is free from pathogens at the point of use.

In contrast, other disinfection methods, like chlorination, do leave a residual in the water, which can continue to eliminate pathogens that may enter the system after treatment. However, in groundwater treatment specifically, the immediacy of disinfection without residual is often prioritized over prolonged protection, aligning with the preferences of many water treatment facilities.

While other options have their benefits, they do not capture the essence of UV disinfection's operational suitability and the specific dynamics involved in groundwater treatment