Which filter is primarily used to disinfect water rather than remove particulates?

• A. Screen Filter
• B. Disc Filter
• C. Media Filter
• D. UV Filter

Answer: (D)

The key idea is the difference between removing particles and inactivating microorganisms. A UV disinfection system uses ultraviolet light to inactivate bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, so its primary role is disinfection rather than physically removing solids. In contrast, screen, disc, and media filters trap or adsorb particulates to improve clarity and reduce debris, but they don’t inherently inactivate microorganisms. UV treatment works best with clear water because turbidity and particulates can shield microbes from the light, so pretreatment or ensuring low turbidity is important for effectiveness. Because of that, the device designed to disinfect rather than remove particulates is the ultraviolet-based disinfection system.