Which among these would be effective water disinfection method?
What are the possible disadvantages of UV water disinfection? Can the technology of Cu-Ag disinfection come up in future? What are the main challenges faced by this technology?
UV disinfection (UV-D) should be applied to water that is not turbid, cloudy or that contains color (i.e. has been filtered) to be effective. This means there is typically pre-treatment and it can be expensive or process intense (e.g. membranes). Second, UV-D is a point treatment, meaning that it occurs at one point in a water system and there are is no residual or 'carry-over' impacts, microorganisms could be reintroduced to water supplies later.
Silver-copper ionization has shown effective treating for Legionella and related bio-films. Here is a recommended review on microorganism molecular mechanisms, Article The Molecular Mechanisms of Copper and Silver Ion Disinfecti...
. Local regulations dictate amounts of silver and copper that can be introduced into water systems. Silver-copper ionization systems must also be maintained.
the main disadvantages of UV used for water disinfection is inability to residual for long time and its high cost
Main disadvantages for UV system is that it requires, water being treated must be in no way turbid or cloudy. Any level of color present in the water will hinder the ability of the UV radiation to penetrate it and destroy the microorganisms within. This requires water filtration prior to the purification which adds expense to the procedure. Secondly , UV purification offers no residual treatment. Unlike chlorine, which maintains a presence in the water after the treatment continuing to disinfect the water, ultraviolet radiation does not stay in the water. Any microorganisms that the radiation missed would remain in the water whereas chlorination would destroy them.
In case of Copper-silver ionization is a disinfection process, primarily used to control Legionella, the ... Copper-silver ionization technology is recognized by the World Health ... for copper in potable water is 1.3 ppm (Cu) and the SCL for silver is 0.1 ppm (Ag) ... " water purifying system can save money, health problems".
Water should be clean for UV and residence time should be good. Sudden quick requirement can create problem. Copper/silver catalyzed degradation is good when probability of micro-organisms is very low. Otherwise micro-filteration is best.
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