Which of the following is an important benefit of microfiltration in water treatment?

Microfiltration is a physical separation process that utilizes membranes with small pore sizes to effectively remove suspended solids, bacteria, and some larger viruses from water. One significant benefit of this technology is its ability to reduce the reliance on chemical disinfectants. By removing pathogens and turbidity, microfiltration can help produce water that is already much cleaner and safer for consumption. As a result, when used in conjunction with other treatment processes, it can minimize the amount of chlorine or other chemicals needed for disinfection, thereby reducing potential chemical residuals in the water supply and contributing to improved water quality.

The other options do not accurately reflect the capabilities of microfiltration. For example, while microfiltration can remove particles and pathogens, it does not remove all types of dissolved solids, which typically require different processes such as reverse osmosis. Additionally, microfiltration does not increase water temperature; in fact, temperature management is a separate consideration in water treatment. Lastly, while microfiltration is effective, it does require regular maintenance to clean or replace membranes, so it does not eliminate the need for ongoing maintenance in a treatment system.