What kind of contaminants do disinfection units primarily target?

Disinfection units are primarily designed to eliminate or inactivate microbial pathogens within wastewater. These pathogens can include bacteria, viruses, and protozoa that pose public health risks if left untreated. Disinfection processes, such as chlorination, ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, or ozonation, specifically target these microorganisms to ensure that the treated water is safe for discharge into the environment or for reuse.

While heavy metals, organic compounds, and solids may be addressed through other stages of wastewater treatment, disinfection is explicitly focused on microbiological contaminants. This is critical in reducing the risk of waterborne diseases and protecting public health, which is why microbial pathogens are the primary concern of disinfection units.