The water we obtain from natural sources like rain, dams, streams, and bores is far from being pure as it contains a lot of bacteria and viruses in addition to dirt particles and debris. Before using it for daily purposes like drinking and bathing, it needs purification from bacteria and viruses.
Various methods exist to get rid of these bacteria and viruses, but UV sterilization is the most common. In this blog, we will look at what UV sterilization is, what's the process of doing it, why it is done, and its benefits.
What Is UV Water Sterilization
UV rays are a part of the spectrum of light lying above the visible light in the hierarchy of wavelength. During the UV sterilization of water, UV rays having wavelengths of 253.7 nm are passed through the water, killing bacteria and viruses.
It is not limited to bacteria and viruses, as it can destroy algae, molds, and other microorganisms by destroying their hereditary material. Typical usage of the UV Sterilization method is in the disinfection of drinking water, wastewater, and surface disinfection. Special instruments used for this purpose are known as UV Sterilizers.
How UV Water Sterilization Works
As we already mentioned, UV rays destroy the DNA of all the microorganisms responsible for all of their activities and thus kill them. These rays are already present in the sunlight in minute quantities but are not enough to kill these bacteria and viruses.
During UV Sterilization, these rays are concentrated, making them high-intensity waves, using a special instrument known as a UV lamp that kills all the microorganisms.
Why UV Water Sterilization Is Done
Drinking water, and water for other daily life tasks, is full of bacteria and viruses. Drinking these bacteria and viruses containing water is responsible for some of the most common diseases, such as typhoid and cholera.
In order to be free from the risk of all these water-born diseases, disinfection of drinking is necessary. UV water sterilization provides the best way to achieve purity from them.
Benefits Of UV Water Sterilization
Using UV rays for water sterilization has its benefits and drawbacks, but its pros easily overshadow the drawbacks. Let's have a look at some of these benefits.
Cost-Effective
Running a UV water sterilization plant is much less expensive as compared to other plants like chlorination and ozonation.
Failsafe Operation
Everything happening during this process doesn't need human intervention, thus reducing mistakes. As soon as the performance of the system drops system informs the in charge of the process.
Compact
Having no need for a contact tank or a retention time makes it a compact process, as you can install it on a small piece of real estate.
Energy Efficient
The system generally in use for UV water sterilization needs minimum electricity in contrast to other mechanisms.
No Changes in Water Properties
Properties of water like PH, taste, color, and smell remain the same after the treatment with UV rays making it one of the most suitable mechanisms for purifying water.