What method is often used to treat microbial content in surface water?

Using ultraviolet light is an effective method for treating microbial content in surface water. This process leverages UV radiation to disrupt the DNA of microorganisms, rendering them unable to reproduce and effectively inactivating them without introducing chemicals into the water. This makes it a safe and environmentally friendly option for disinfecting water supplies.

In addition, this method can be utilized without altering the chemical composition of the water, preserving its taste and quality. Moreover, ultraviolet light can be employed as a secondary treatment method after physical filtration, which means it can be integrated into existing water treatment systems for enhanced safety.

Other treatment methods, while useful for different purposes, do not focus specifically on addressing microbial contamination in the same way that UV light does. For example, boiling water is also effective for destroying pathogens but is more practical for small-scale applications rather than large surface water systems. Flocculants are used primarily for removing suspended solids from water rather than directly targeting microbes. Granular activated carbon is effective for removing organic contaminants and improving taste and odor but does not specifically address microbial inactivation.