Q13.
What is the role of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the water purification systems? 1. It inactivates/kills the harmful microorganisms in water. 2. It removes all the undesirable odours from the water. 3. It quickens the sedimentation of solid particles, removes turbidity and improves the clarity of water. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer
A
Explanation
UV radiation in water purification only inactivates/kills harmful microorganisms (statement 1 is correct). It does NOT create new chemical complexes, nor does it change the taste or odour of the water, and does NOT remove any beneficial minerals in the water. UV does not affect turbidity or sedimentation. Water turbidity (i.e., the amount of suspended and colloidal solids) must be low for UV purification to work well.