Which of the following processes is primarily used to control microbial growth in water treatment?

Disinfection is the primary process used to control microbial growth in water treatment. This process involves the application of chemicals or physical methods (such as chlorination, ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, or ozone treatment) to kill or inactivate pathogenic microorganisms present in the water. The goal of disinfection is to ensure that the treated water is safe for human consumption and free from harmful bacteria, viruses, and protozoa that could cause diseases.

While filtration, sedimentation, and coagulation play important roles in the overall water treatment process, they are not primarily focused on addressing microbial growth. Filtration helps remove suspended solids and larger particles, sedimentation allows for settling out particulates, and coagulation involves the addition of chemicals that promote the aggregation of particles for easier removal. However, these methods do not effectively kill or inactivate microorganisms to the extent that disinfection does. Therefore, disinfection stands out as the critical process specifically aimed at ensuring microbiological safety in treated water.