Name one common method of disinfection in wastewater treatment.

Chlorination is a widely used method of disinfection in wastewater treatment because it effectively kills pathogens through the introduction of chlorine, a strong oxidizing agent. This process not only eliminates bacteria and viruses but also helps in reducing the overall levels of organic matter in the water. The use of chlorine in various forms—such as liquid sodium hypochlorite or gas—allows for flexibility depending on the treatment facility's requirements and scales.

Chlorination is often favored because it is a relatively cost-effective method and has a long-lasting residual effect, which provides additional protection as the treated water moves through the distribution system.

While other methods, such as ozonation and boiling, are effective, they may have limitations in terms of cost, application scale, or practicality in municipal systems. Ozonation can be effective but is typically more expensive and requires specialized equipment. Filtration, although important for removing solids and turbidity, does not specifically target pathogens unless combined with disinfection processes. Boiling is not practical for large-scale wastewater treatment operations. Therefore, chlorination stands out as a common and efficient disinfection method in the wastewater treatment field.