Which of the following is a common method for wastewater disinfection?

Chlorination is a common method for disinfecting wastewater, primarily because it is effective in killing a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. This chemical process involves the addition of chlorine or chlorine compounds to wastewater, which helps to eliminate harmful microorganisms before the treated water is released into the environment or reused.

The efficacy of chlorination is well-documented, making it a widely adopted practice in wastewater treatment facilities. It is important because it helps ensure that the water meets health and safety standards, protecting public health and the environment.

While filtration, dechlorination, and biological treatment play essential roles in the wastewater treatment process, they serve different purposes. Filtration is primarily used for removing solids from water rather than disinfecting. Dechlorination is implemented post-chlorination to remove residual chlorine to protect aquatic life when treated water is discharged. Biological treatment focuses on utilizing microorganisms to break down organic matter and is not primarily a disinfection method. Each of these processes complements chlorination in a complete wastewater treatment strategy, but chlorination stands out as the key step specifically designated for disinfection.