Which treatment process primarily targets the reduction of pathogens in wastewater?

Chlorination is a chemical treatment process that primarily targets the reduction of pathogens in wastewater. This method involves adding chlorine or chlorine compounds to the wastewater, which effectively kills or inactivates harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. The primary goal of chlorination is to ensure that the effluent discharged into the environment meets safety standards, minimizing health risks associated with pathogens.

While settling, filtration, and primary clarification are important processes in wastewater treatment, they do not specifically focus on pathogen reduction. Settling allows larger solids to settle out of the water but does not eliminate pathogens. Filtration can remove some pathogens through physical means but is not primarily designed for pathogen control. Primary clarification helps separate solids from liquids but also does not effectively address pathogen levels. Chlorination, in contrast, is a targeted and reliable method for achieving the disinfection goals in wastewater treatment.