What process is used for the destruction of pathogens in water?

The destruction of pathogens in water is primarily achieved through the process known as disinfection. Disinfection encompasses various methods aimed at eliminating or inactivating harmful microorganisms that can pose health risks to humans if ingested through contaminated water. Common disinfection methods include the use of chemical agents like chlorine, ultraviolet (UV) light, or ozone.

While chlorination is a specific form of disinfection that employs chlorine as the germicidal agent, disinfection is a broader term that includes all methods designed to kill pathogens. Therefore, while chlorination is an important technique, it is just one aspect of the disinfection strategy. Disinfection ensures that water is safe for consumption and helps to prevent waterborne diseases.

Filtration and flocculation are processes related to the physical removal of particles and impurities from water and do not effectively target pathogens directly, which is why they are not classified under the destruction of pathogens.