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U.S. Department of Energy
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Lighting the way to improved disinfection

Journal Article · · Mechanical Engineering
OSTI ID:495471
Ultraviolet light has a proven track record of killing bacteria and viruses found in municipal wastewater. In addition, environmental concerns over the use of chemical disinfectants, coupled with improvements in ultraviolet-lighting technology, have led to the development of UV systems that treat spent metalworking fluids in the industrialized world; disinfect drinking water in developing countries; and clean aquaculture water, ballast water, and hospital air everywhere. A large-scale pilot plant capable of treating less than 1 million gallons per day was built on-site by Los Angeles-based Montgomery Watson and CCCSD in 1992. It demonstrated that UV was just as effective as chlorination in killing bacteria and slightly more effective in destroying viruses found in the Martinez plant`s wastewater. It also showed the lamps would need to be cleaned of fouling every two to four weeks. The paper discusses this plant and the use of UV light in the above-mentioned water treatment processes.
OSTI ID:
495471
Journal Information:
Mechanical Engineering, Journal Name: Mechanical Engineering Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 119; ISSN 0025-6501; ISSN MEENAH
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English