After secondary treatment, wastewater often undergoes disinfection to kill or deactivate pathogenic

microorganisms and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases. The most common methods of disinfection
include:

1. **Chlorination**: Chlorine gas, sodium hypochlorite, or calcium hypochlorite are commonly used to
disinfect wastewater. These chemicals react with water to form hypochlorous acid, which destroys
bacteria and viruses. Chlorination is effective, relatively inexpensive, and leaves a residual disinfectant in
the water to prevent recontamination.

2. **Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation**: UV light is used to disinfect wastewater by damaging the genetic
material of microorganisms, preventing them from reproducing. UV disinfection is chemical-free,
environmentally friendly, and effective against a wide range of pathogens. However, it requires electricity
to operate and does not provide residual disinfection.

3. **Ozonation**: Ozone gas is a powerful oxidizing agent that destroys bacteria, viruses, and organic
pollutants in wastewater. Ozonation is effective at low concentrations, does not produce harmful
disinfection byproducts, and leaves no residual taste or odor in the water. However, it is more expensive
than chlorination and UV disinfection.

4. **Chlorine Dioxide**: Chlorine dioxide is a strong oxidizing agent that effectively kills bacteria, viruses,
and other pathogens in wastewater. It is more stable than chlorine and does not produce as many
disinfection byproducts. Chlorine dioxide is often used as an alternative to chlorine in situations where
taste and odor are concerns.

Each disinfection method has its advantages and limitations, and the choice of method depends on
factors such as the required level of disinfection, cost, regulatory requirements, and site-specific
conditions.