Dialysis Technician Practice Exam

What is the most common method used for disinfecting water treatment systems?

1. Chemical

2. Ultraviolet light

3. Filtration

4. Heat treatment

The correct answer is: Chemical

The most common method used for disinfecting water treatment systems is chemical disinfection. This process typically involves using substances such as chlorine, chloramine, or ozone to eliminate pathogens and microorganisms from the water. Chemical disinfection is favored due to its effectiveness in various water conditions, its ability to provide residual disinfection throughout the distribution system, and the straightforward application process. Chemical methods are widely utilized in many water treatment facilities because they can not only kill bacteria and viruses effectively but can also address certain protozoan cysts. This is particularly important in ensuring the safety of water used for hemodialysis treatments, where patient health is highly dependent on the quality of the water used in the process. While ultraviolet light and heat treatment are also effective methods for disinfection, they do not leave any residual effect in the water, which can be crucial in large distribution systems. Filtration plays an essential role in removing particulates and some microorganisms, but it does not provide complete disinfection on its own, particularly for viruses and some bacteria. Consequently, chemical disinfection remains the predominant choice in many settings.