Table 5.

Advantages and disadvantages of various disinfection methods

Method	Advantages	Disadvantages
Chlorination	Efficient against bacteria and virus Better protection against recontamination	Ineffective against spores and cysts Issues concerned with taste and odor Possibilities for disinfection byproducts (DBPs) formation
Chloramination	Minimum problems associated with taste and odor Highly effective against biofilms	Poor disinfection capability Requirement of trained personnel
Chlorine dioxide	High efficiency and low costs Independent of pH	Problems with storage and transport Expensive Issues concerned with taste and odor
Ozonation	Highly efficient against virus, bacterial	Requirement of proper maintenance Expensive Requirement of high energy input Formation of hazardous byproducts
UV irradiation	High efficiency against viruses, spores, cysts No byproducts formation Minimum chemical requirements	Cost associated with replacement and maintenance of lamp
UV-LEDs	Better life than UV lamps Environmentally friendly Minimum energy consumption No byproducts formation	High cost High energy demand
Boiling	Ease of operation	Environmental issues Requirement of large quantities of fuel
Solar disinfection	Simple and inexpensive No electricity requirements No byproducts formation Minimum chemical requirements	Long time requirements Dependent on solar light intensity Necessity of pretreatment