What does UV light do to bacteria during the disinfection process?
UV or ultraviolet light is used for multiple purposes. In beauty salons you will see UV lamps are used to set nail varnish, it is also used in sunbeds so you can get that bronzed look without needing to sunbathe. Police also use UV light to detect bodily fluids at a crime scene. However, the main way we use ay UVO3 is in our water treatments.
In this article, we will explore and explain exactly what UV light does to the bacteria in water during the disinfection process.
What is UV light?
An ultraviolet light or UV light is a form of electromagnetic radiation. It is called ultraviolet from the Latin word “ultra” which means beyond. Violet is the colour which has the highest frequency, therefore, this is beyond that colour’s frequency.
This light is naturally emitted by the sun and we have found ways of recreating these UV rays to use in different devices from tanning to sterilising. It is true that UV waves can be damaging if we are exposed to it for too long, however, it also has a lot of benefits especially when it comes to sanitation. The sterilising effects of using UV on surfaces, items and even water is highly effective in breaking down bacteria, which is why it is commonly used in such places as hospitals to sterilise tools.
What does UV light treatment do to bacteria in water?
To help in the sterilisation process in water, UV lamps are often used. This is applied to all different types of water treatment including waste and drinking water.
UV disinfection is known to kill 99.9% of all bacteria as well as eradicating pathogens. It is a common sterilising process because it is more effective as well as faster than other traditional methods of disinfecting.
When the UV waves hit the water and therefore the organisms in it, their DNA/RNA is deactivated. The part which is neutralised stops their ability to reproduce. The UV water treatment doesn’t remove the bacteria, but it does make them harmless and removes the ability for them to cause illness. This is an effective way of removing bacteria such as E. coli and listeria from water to make it safe. UV disinfection is all done without affecting the colour, taste or smell of water which makes a highly effective process.
Where is UV water treatment used?
This type of water treatment is used in a variety of different ways in both a professional and personal setting.
As mentioned previously UV water treatment is often used in hospitals and similar locations that need to ensure constant sanitation. You can also have other types of commercial UV water treatments, which can be used in any business that wants to ensure they have clean water, from offices to factories.
On a smaller level, you can also get domestic UV water filters installed into your homes to ensure consistently clean water. You can also use a UV filter treatment in your swimming pool instead of chlorine. These can be installed in your own pool or even public pools and leisure centres. You can read more about why you should consider a UV filter over chlorine for your pool here.
At UVO3 we offer a variety of different UV water treatment products from small domestic items all the way up to large scale commercial installations. To find out more about the products we offer and how we can help you or your business improve your water quality contact us today.
