Disinfection is considered to be the primary mechanism for the inactivation/destruction of pathogenic organisms. This functions to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases to downstream users and the environment.
It is important that wastewater be adequately treated prior to the final discharge. Some common microorganisms found in domestic wastewater and the diseases associated with them are presented below:
| Organisms | Disease Caused |
|---|---|
| Bacteria | |
| Escherichia coli (enterotoxigenic) | Gastroenteritis |
| Leptospira (spp.) | Leptospirosis |
| Salmonella typhi | Typhoid fever |
| Vibrio chlorae | Cholera |
| Protozoa | |
| Cryptosporidium parvum | Cryptosporidiosis |
| Giardia lamblia | Giardiasis |
Typically, chlorination is the common method used in disinfecting wastewater before the final discharge into streams, waterways, and rivers. However, the total cost of UV disinfection can be competitive against chlorination when the de-chlorination step is included. Please contact us for further consultation.