Which method of water treatment involves heating to remove pathogens?

The method of water treatment that involves heating to remove pathogens is pasteurization. This process was originally developed by Louis Pasteur for the preservation of food and beverages, but it is also applicable to water treatment. Pasteurization works by heating water to a specific temperature for a certain period of time, effectively killing or inactivating harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, without significantly affecting the taste or quality of the water.

The effectiveness of pasteurization lies in its ability to target a wide range of pathogens, making it a reliable method for improving water safety in areas where microbial contamination is a concern. The process typically involves heating the water to at least 65-75 degrees Celsius (149-167 degrees Fahrenheit) for a short duration, ensuring the destruction of pathogens.

In contrast, reverse osmosis is a filtration process that uses a semipermeable membrane to remove ions, molecules, and larger particles from water. Filtration is another method that involves passing water through various materials to physically remove contaminants, while irradiation uses ultraviolet or gamma rays to sterilize water without raising its temperature. Each of these methods addresses different types of contaminants and does not rely on heating as a fundamental treatment method, making pasteurization the