What is the objective of disinfection before effluent discharge?

The objective of disinfection before effluent discharge is to eliminate or inactivate pathogens. This process is critical to ensuring that the treated wastewater does not pose a risk to public health or the environment once it is released back into natural water bodies. Disinfection methods, such as chlorination, UV irradiation, or ozonation, target harmful microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and protozoa that can cause diseases if they enter the water supply or contact humans and wildlife.

By effectively minimizing or eradicating these pathogens, disinfection contributes significantly to the overall safety of the effluent. This makes treated wastewater safe for various potential applications, including irrigation or even indirect potable reuse and helps maintain the integrity of receiving aquatic ecosystems.

In contrast, the other choices address aspects of wastewater treatment but do not align with the primary goal of disinfection. Removing solids is focused on physical treatment processes, enhancing nutrient levels pertains to optimizing conditions for specific biological processes, and stabilizing pH levels involves chemical adjustments that may occur throughout treatment but are not the main intent of disinfection efforts.