TEL AVIV, ISRAEL — Scientists at Tel Aviv University (TAU) have determined that ultraviolet (UV) disinfection is more effective than chlorine at reducing microorganisms in drinking water, according to Israel21c.org.
The team of researchers stated that chlorine produces carcinogenic byproducts, and UV provides a viable alternative for water disinfection in large scale water treatment and desalination plants, the article reported.
The TAU scientists also found UV to be more effective at destroying chlorine-resistant parasites, the story stated.
“The best way to control and kill these microorganisms is to damage their DNA,” said doctoral student Anat Lakretz. “The damage that the UV light causes has no known negative effect on the water.”
The team stated that small amounts of chlorine or other oxidants may still be necessary to keep residual bacteria from entering the water further along the distribution pipeline, according to the report.
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