Water disinfection means the removal, deactivation or killing of pathogenic microorganisms.
Disinfection of water by physio-chemical means entails the destruction of disease-causing organisms in order to prevent their spread. Oxidation of water removes inorganic chemicals from water.
Use of chemicals like chlorine and chloramine followed by processes such as Ozonization and Ultraviolet irradiation also aid in the destruction of biological contaminants that remain in the water after treatment. These processes are used in potable water treatment, industrial effluent reclamation, municipal waste water treatment, as well as ultra pure water applications.