The advantages and disadvantages of UV disinfection

They depend on the UV applications used.

In addition, UV purification systems allow for a higher level of water disinfection. This provides a safe solution against chlorine-resistant microorganisms such as :

  • Giardia
  • Cryptosporidium.

Benefits of UV disinfection

Water treatment by UV disinfection has many advantages:

  • This is a non-chemical treatment, so no harmful chemicals are added.
  • It is easy to install and maintain.
  • Economical and energy efficient: low power requirements
  • It is effective on a wide range of pathogens, including those resistant to chlorination (certain protozoa such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia).
  • Regulatory bodies, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), officially recognise its validity.
  • It features an effective treatment that destroys 99.99% of micro-organisms.
  • It’s an environmentally-friendly technology, and UV contains no disinfection by-products.
  • Reliable, and in fact it works day and night, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Safe for users, as it does not require the handling of chemicals.
  • Cost-effective, as you only need to replace the lamp and sleeve each year.
  • Compact, rapid treatment, facilitating water circulation without holding tanks or reaction time.
  • In fact, it is more effective than chlorine or chloramines.
  • The FDA (US Food Drug Administration) and ÖNORM in Europe have approved this technology, confirming its compliance.
  • The UV purification process conserves water, which means it doesn’t waste it.
  • Unlike chlorine, which changes taste and smell, UV does not change the water or create by-products.

Disadvantages

Despite a high initial cost, UV provides a rapid return on investment thanks to low operating costs.

However, this process is not recommended in certain cases:

  • UV light can only eliminate the micro-organisms present in the water. In fact, UV technology does not remove any other contaminants from the water such as :
    • heavy metals
    • salts
    • Chlorine
    • artificial substances such as petroleum or pharmaceutical products. On the other hand, using other filtration methods with UV ensures that all contaminants are eliminated.
  • Use a pre-filter for cloudy water; this allows the UV light to work properly.
  • UV water systems require electricity to operate. In the event of a power cut, a UV may not be suitable for emergency or survival needs.
  • UV disinfection does not offer the persistence of some other chemicals.

Here are some UV disinfection reactors. What’s more, each device is designed for a specific water quality (salt water, swimming pools, industrial treatment, etc.).

So there’s bound to be a model to suit your application!

If you’re wondering how it works, you can consult the general section on .UVC water disinfection and the section explaining how it works.

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