Ultraviolet Irradiation as Disinfectant

Ultraviolet irradiation is a disinfection technique which break down microorganisms with the use of ultraviolet (UV) light at sufficiently short wavelength. . It was primarily in medical sanitation and sterile work facilities. Now it is Increasingly employed to sterilize drinking and wastewater, as the holding facilities were enclosed and could be circulated to ensure a higher exposure to the UV. In recent years UVGI has found renewed application in air sanitization.

The short wavelength of UV is harmful to microorganisms as it destroy effectively the nucleic acids in these organisms  so that their  DNA is disrupted by  the UV radiation. This removes their reproductive capabilities and kills them.

Such disinfecting effect of the wavelength of UV is rare as its atmosphere blocks it on Earth. Using a UV germicidal irradiation device in certain environments like circulating air or water systems creates a deadly effect on micro-organisms such as pathogens, viruses and molds that are in these environments. Coupled with a filtration system, UVGI can remove harmful micro-organisms from these environments.

Raw waters flow through a chamber where they are exposed to ultraviolet lamps. The resulting disinfection prevents bacterial destruction of cellulose acetate-based membrane systems and eliminates biofouling of polyaromatic-based membrane systems. Because polyaromatic fiber membranes are very susceptible to chemical oxidant attack, ultraviolet disinfection is the best disinfection technique for these systems.