Topic outline

  • Public Water Disinfection using UV Radiation

    Credits: 2 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    Unlike most disinfectants, ultraviolet (UV) radiation does not inactivate microorganisms by chemical interaction. UV radiation inactivates organisms by absorption of the light which causes a photochemical reaction that alters molecular components essential to cell function.

    There is ample evidence to conclude that if sufficient dosages of UV energy reach the organisms, UV can disinfect water to whatever degree is required. However, there has been some public health concerns with respect to the overall efficiency of UV to disinfect potable water. Based on the available research literature, it appears that although exceptional for disinfection of small microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses, UV doses required to inactivate larger protozoa such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium are several times higher than for bacteria and virus inactivation. As a result, UV is often considered in concert with ozone and/or hydrogen peroxide to enhance the disinfection effectiveness of UV or for ground water where Giardia and Cryptosporidium are not expected to occur.

    Topics:

    • UV Chemistry (Photochemical)
    • UV radiation
    • UV Disinfection reactions
    • Process variables
    • UV Generation
    • Types of UV lamps and ballasts
    • UV reaction design
    • Microscreening
    • Primary uses and points of application
    • Pathogen/Bacteria/Virus/Protozoa inactivation
    • Disinfection efficiency
    • Inactivation mechanisms
    • Environmental effects
    • Disinfection byproducts
    • UV Dosing Requirements
    • Monitoring and operational considerations
    • Equipment maintenance considerations

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Important Notice:

    Please ensure that a payment has been remitted, prior to completing Step 4 (printing your certificate of completion).
    Additionally, check your receipt to confirm that your plan is active and has not expired. 
    Certificates issued without a completed payment may be considered invalid by your board of licensure.


    Print the Certificate of Completion
    Intended Audience: civil, municipal, and environmental engineers, as well as anyone interested in or involved with wastewater treatment. An attendee of this course will gain knowledge about the processes used in domestic wastewater treatment.
    Publication Source: US Environmental Protection Agency

    Harlan Bengtson PhD, PE

    • Topic 1