Dialysis Technician Practice Exam

Which method is commonly used to eliminate viruses in water treatment systems?

1. Chlorination

2. Ultrafiltration

3. Boiling

4. Reverse osmosis

The correct answer is: Chlorination

Chlorination is a widely recognized method for eliminating viruses in water treatment systems due to its effectiveness at disinfecting water. When chlorine is added to water, it reacts with organic and inorganic substances, leading to the formation of chloramines and free chlorine, which are potent agents that can inactivate a variety of pathogens, including viruses. This method is favored in many municipal water supply systems because it is relatively easy to manage and provides an ongoing residual disinfection effect, which helps to maintain water quality as it travels through distribution systems. While other methods such as ultrafiltration, boiling, and reverse osmosis can also reduce or eliminate microbial contaminants, they may not be as specifically effective against all viruses in all circumstances. Ultrafiltration relies on physical barriers to separate contaminants based on size, boiling involves heating water to kill pathogens but is not always practical for large volumes, and reverse osmosis primarily functions to remove dissolved solids and does not guarantee complete viral elimination without additional disinfection processes. Hence, chlorination remains a cornerstone technique in viral elimination in water treatment systems.