Quick Answer
Chemical purification effectively kills 99.9% of pathogens, but it's not always the most practical or safe option due to potential health risks and environmental concerns. UV purification, on the other hand, is a safer and more efficient method that can kill up to 99.99% of bacteria and viruses.
Chemical Purification
Chemical purification methods, such as chlorine or iodine tablets, are effective against a wide range of pathogens. Chlorine dioxide, for example, can kill 99.9% of bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella, in as little as 30 minutes. However, chemical purification can also leave behind residues and byproducts that can be hazardous to human health. The recommended dosage of chlorine tablets is typically 2-4 tablets per liter of water, but excessive use can lead to the formation of carcinogenic compounds like trihalomethanes.
UV Purification
UV purification, on the other hand, uses ultraviolet light to inactivate DNA and RNA, effectively killing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. UV-C light, which has a wavelength of 254 nanometers, is the most effective range for water purification, capable of killing up to 99.99% of pathogens. This method is also more efficient, requiring only 15-30 seconds of exposure time per liter of water. UV purification is often used in combination with other methods, such as filtration, to provide a multi-step approach to water treatment.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.