What is a common method for disinfection in wastewater treatment plants?

Chlorination is a widely used method for disinfection in wastewater treatment plants due to its effectiveness in killing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens present in the water. This process involves adding chlorine or chlorine compounds to the treated water, which helps ensure that harmful microorganisms are eliminated before the water is released into the environment or reused.

Chlorination has several advantages, including its ability to provide residual disinfection, meaning that chlorine can remain in the treated water to protect against any potential recontamination. Additionally, it is a relatively low-cost method that can be implemented easily in various treatment settings.

While ultraviolet radiation and ozonation are also effective disinfection methods, they do not provide a residual effect in the water as chlorination does, which can be crucial for preventing bacterial regrowth in the distribution system. Filtration, on the other hand, primarily serves as a means of removing solids and does not specifically target disinfection, thus making chlorination a more standard choice for this purpose.