What can be used to improve the effectiveness of water disinfection?

The option that includes both chlorination and ultraviolet light is correct because both methods enhance the effectiveness of water disinfection.

Chlorination involves adding chlorine to water, which is a common practice that effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. It provides a residual disinfectant effect, meaning that it continues to offer protection against microbial recontamination after treatment has occurred.

Ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection works by using UV radiation to inactivate pathogens, damaging their DNA and rendering them unable to reproduce. This method is highly effective against a broad range of microorganisms and does not introduce any chemicals into the water.

Using both chlorination and ultraviolet light together can create a synergistic effect, where the strengths of one method complement the other. While chlorination is effective in providing long-term residual protection, UV disinfection serves as a rapid and chemical-free method of treating water. By combining these two approaches, one can achieve a higher level of assurance that the water is safe for consumption.

This combined use therefore provides a more robust defense against waterborne pathogens, making it a superior choice for improving water disinfection effectiveness.