Advantages and disadvantages of UV disinfection (2024)

They depend on the UV applications used.

In addition, UV purification systems allow for a higher level of water disinfection. This provides a safe solution against chlorine-resistant microorganisms such as :

  • Giardia
  • Cryptosporidium.

Benefits of UV disinfection

Water treatment by UV disinfection has many advantages:

  • This is a non-chemical treatment, so no harmful chemicals are added.
  • It is easy to install and maintain.
  • Economical and energy efficient: low power requirements
  • It is effective on a wide range of pathogens, including those resistant to chlorination (certain protozoa such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia).
  • Regulatory bodies, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), officially recognise its validity.
  • It features an effective treatment that destroys 99.99% of micro-organisms.
  • It’s an environmentally-friendly technology, and UV contains no disinfection by-products.
  • Reliable, and in fact it works day and night, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Safe for users, as it does not require the handling of chemicals.
  • Cost-effective, as you only need to replace the lamp and sleeve each year.
  • Compact, rapid treatment, facilitating water circulation without holding tanks or reaction time.
  • In fact, it is more effective than chlorine or chloramines.
  • The FDA (US Food Drug Administration) and ÖNORM in Europe have approved this technology, confirming its compliance.
  • The UV purification process conserves water, which means it doesn’t waste it.
  • Unlike chlorine, which changes taste and smell, UV does not change the water or create by-products.

Disadvantages

Despite a high initial cost, UV provides a rapid return on investment thanks to low operating costs.

However, this process is not recommended in certain cases:

  • UV light can only eliminate the micro-organisms present in the water. In fact, UV technology does not remove any other contaminants from the water such as :
    • heavy metals
    • salts
    • Chlorine
    • artificial substances such as petroleum or pharmaceutical products. On the other hand, using other filtration methods with UV ensures that all contaminants are eliminated.
  • Use a pre-filter for cloudy water; this allows the UV light to work properly.
  • UV water systems require electricity to operate. In the event of a power cut, a UV may not be suitable for emergency or survival needs.
  • UV disinfection does not offer the persistence of some other chemicals.

Here are some UV disinfection reactors. What’s more, each device is designed for a specific water quality (salt water, swimming pools, industrial treatment, etc.).

So there’s bound to be a model to suit your application!

If you’re wondering how it works, you can consult the general section on .UVC water disinfection and the section explaining how it works.

Advantages and disadvantages of UV disinfection (2024)

FAQs

What are the advantages and disadvantages of ultraviolet disinfection? ›

Although the initial cost of some UV applications is somewhat higher than chlorination, the low operating costs allow for a quick return on investment. However, this process is not recommended in certain cases: UV light can only eliminate the micro-organisms present in the water.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of UV exposure? ›

Now, let's discover the pros and cons of UV radiation.
ProsCons
1. Stimulate Vitamin D production which helps to vitalize bones, muscles and immune system.1.Skin damages - Wrinkles - Loss of elasticity due to collagen destruction by the UV rays -Dark spots -Pigmentation -Skin cancer
5 more rows

What are the advantages and disadvantages of purifying water with UV rays answer? ›

Answer: it Does Not Remove All Impurities- A UV filter will remove bacteria and viruses but is not effective on dissolved impurities such as rust, pesticides, fluoride, arsenic, etc. Moreover, they are not effective on muddy water. Chemical treatment may still be required after the UV filtration is complete.

What are the pros and cons of UV sterilizer? ›

Pros: kills stuff in the water column how much and what depends on contact time and power of bulb. cons: kills stuff in the water column how much and what depends on contact time and power of bulb. added electrical cost, bulb replacement cost, cleaning and maintinence.

What is the disadvantages of UV? ›

UV radiation has both beneficial and harmful effects. When someone exposes their skin to sunlight, it stimulates vitamin D production, which is necessary for healthy bones and muscles. However, UV radiation can also cause sunburn and skin aging. In the long term, it is one of the leading causes of skin cancer.

What are the disadvantages of disinfection? ›

The disadvantage of some disinfection techniques - possibly in combination – is that they produce toxic by-products. Extra measures must be taken to prevent these by-products from forming or to eliminate them. New techniques include ionising radiation (electron beam), plasma technology and “pulsed electric fields”.

What are the disadvantages of UV-Vis? ›

The main disadvantage of UV-Vis spectroscopy is that it can only be used to analyze substances that absorb light in the ultraviolet or visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

What are the advantages of ultraviolet? ›

The three primary health benefits of UV exposure are the production of vitamin D, improvement in mood, and increased energy. Moderate exposure to UV radiation is a good source of vitamin D. This vitamin aids in the regulation of calcium metabolism, insulin secretion, blood pressure, immunity, and cell propagation.

What are the negative effects of UV exposure? ›

Risks
  • Sunburn is a sign of short-term overexposure, while premature aging and skin cancer are side effects of prolonged UV exposure.
  • UV exposure increases the risk of potentially blinding eye diseases if eye protection is not used.
  • Overexposure to UV radiation can lead to serious health issues, including cancer.
Feb 15, 2024

What are the downsides of UV filters? ›

Potential Downsides: While UV filters offer benefits, they also have potential downsides, such as inducing unwanted flares, vignetting at wider-angle focal lengths, and affecting the performance of optically superior lenses [1].

What are some advantages and disadvantages of using germicidal UV light as a sterilization method? ›

Hospitals have benefitted from these lamps because the lamps kill bacteria and viruses more easily than traditional techniques. However, there is a disadvantage to using sterilization lamps: While UV lights easily kill bacteria and viruses, they aren't as effective against bacterial spores.

Does UV light really sanitize water? ›

Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection is an extremely effective way of inactivating and killing bacteria in water, as no known bacteria or virus is resilient to UV light. This includes pathogens such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia, which water treatment alternatives such as chlorine is unable to treat.

What are the pros and cons of UV disinfection water treatment? ›

UV disinfection has a shorter contact time when compared with other disinfectants (approximately 20 to 30 seconds with low-pressure lamps). .... UV disinfection equipment requires less space than other methods. Low dosage may not effectively inactivate some viruses, spores, and cysts.

What is the main disadvantage of UV radiation as a disinfectant? ›

UV is good for disinfecting bacteria and protozoa but requires more power for viruses. Once the water passes the UV lamp(s), no more disinfection happens and there is no residual to disinfect the water should the microorganisms regrow.

What are the advantages of UV sterilization? ›

UV disinfection is the only solution that does not change any properties such as pH and temperature – which is essential for applications such as aqua life and ultra-pure water. Ultraviolet disinfection is extremely effective in destroying microorganisms since no known bacteria or viruses are resilient to UV light.

What are the advantages of UV disinfection robot? ›

These robots eliminate germs with non-touch technology; later on, risk-free cleaning could be carried out. They are programmed so that they can pick their targets in no time, and they immediately disinfect the surfaces that are most touched to ensure effectiveness.

What are the disadvantages of UV curing? ›

2、 Disadvantages of UV adhesive:
  • The cost of raw materials for UV adhesives is generally high. ...
  • the penetration of ultraviolet ray to some plastics or translucent materials is not strong, the curing depth is limited, and the geometry of curable objects is subject to certain constraints.

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