Which water treatment process is primarily used for the removal of microorganisms?

The process primarily used for the removal of microorganisms from water is disinfection. This step is crucial in ensuring the safety of drinking water by eliminating pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause illness.

Disinfection methods include the use of chemical agents like chlorine, ozone, or ultraviolet (UV) light, each of which targets and destroys microorganisms. This process is vital in public health, as effective disinfection can prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.

While coagulation, filtration, and flocculation are all important stages in the water treatment process, their primary functions differ. Coagulation involves the addition of chemicals to help particles in the water clump together, making it easier to remove them. Filtration is primarily aimed at removing suspended solids and particles, whereas flocculation is a gentle mixing process that promotes the growth of larger flocs from the smaller particles that coagulation has caused to clump together. Although filtration and flocculation can play a role in reducing microorganisms, they do not specifically target and kill pathogens in the way that disinfection does.