What does the term 'disinfection' in water treatment refer to?

The term 'disinfection' in water treatment specifically refers to the killing or inactivation of pathogens. This is a critical step in ensuring that drinking water is safe for consumption. Pathogens, which include bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, can pose significant health risks if ingested. Disinfection aims to eliminate these harmful microorganisms to prevent waterborne diseases.

The process can involve various methods such as chlorination, ultraviolet (UV) light treatment, or using ozone. Each of these methods serves to effectively neutralize pathogens while aiming to maintain the water's other qualities. In contrast, removing sediments, filtering large particles, or eliminating dissolved minerals, while essential in water treatment processes, are not considered disinfection as they do not target biological contaminants specifically. Thus, the focus on pathogen control distinctly characterizes the function of disinfection in water treatment processes.