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 chemical agents or physical methods to eliminate or inactivate pathogenic microorganisms that may be present in the water supply. Common disinfection methods include the use of chlorine, ultraviolet light, and ozone, all of which effectively target bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that could pose health risks.

While other processes like filtration, sedimentation, and coagulation play important roles in water treatment, they do not specifically target the inactivation of microbes to the same extent as disinfection. Filtration primarily removes suspended solids and larger particulates. Sedimentation relies on gravity to settle out heavier particles from the water, and coagulation involves using chemicals to aggregate particles together for easier removal. These processes can reduce microbial load by removing some microorganisms physically, but they do not ensure that pathogens are completely inactivated or eliminated, which is the primary goal of disinfection.