What is the most powerful disinfectant used in water treatment?

The most powerful disinfectant used in water treatment is ozone. Ozone is a strong oxidizing agent and has a greater disinfection potential compared to other common disinfectants. It is effective against a wide variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, making it particularly useful in ensuring waterborne pathogens are eliminated effectively.

One of the key advantages of ozone is its ability to disrupt the cell walls of microorganisms, leading to their destruction. Additionally, ozone decomposes back into oxygen, leaving no harmful residual chemicals in the treated water, which is beneficial for maintaining water quality. This property also minimizes the formation of disinfection by-products, which can occur with other disinfectants like chlorine and chloramine.

Chlorine, while a very effective and commonly used disinfectant, does not have the same level of efficacy as ozone in terms of inactivating certain resistant pathogens. Chloramine, a derivative of chlorine, is also used primarily for its residual effects but is less potent in terms of immediate disinfection capability. Ultraviolet light is an effective method for disinfection as well but relies on direct exposure to be effective and doesn't offer residual protection in the water. Hence, ozone stands out as the most powerful disinfectant specifically used in water treatment