What is the primary role of disinfection in wastewater treatment?

The primary role of disinfection in wastewater treatment is to eliminate pathogenic organisms. This is a critical step in the treatment process, as pathogens can pose significant health risks to humans and the environment if released into water bodies or reused. Disinfection processes, such as chlorination, ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, and ozonation, are employed to kill or deactivate these harmful microorganisms, ensuring that the treated wastewater is safe for discharge or reuse.

Focusing on the other aspects of wastewater treatment highlights why disinfection stands out in this context. While increasing dissolved oxygen levels is important for biological treatment processes and helps support aerobic microorganisms that decompose organic matter, it does not specifically target pathogens. Similarly, removing larger particles is primarily accomplished through physical treatments such as sedimentation and screening, which concentrates on solid waste rather than microorganisms. Balancing chemical parameters is essential for overall water quality but does not directly address pathogen elimination. Thus, the specific goal of disinfection uniquely underscores its vital role in wastewater treatment.