Disinfection is often defined as: ‘A process that destroys, inactivates or removes micro-organisms.’ Disinfection of waste water is achieved using three common methods; Chemical - which can include chlorinationand ozonation Physical - which can include ultraviolet radiation and microfiltration Biological - which includes detention lagoons. In the following pages, these methods of disinfection will be compared and differences highlighted. The effectiveness of disinfection depends on the pretreatment of water and: the nature and concentration of the disinfecting agent. the type of microorganisms present ncontact time satisfactory mixing of disinfectant and targeting microorganisms the degree by which the microorganisms are protected by - adsorption to, or inclusion in, solid particles - attachment to surfaces of pipes or fittings the level of competing inorganic and organic reactants turbidity, temperature and PH. The quality of the water should be improved before disinfection, to increase the efficiency of the disinfection process. Pretreatment will decrease the likelihood that organisms or contaminants will be harboured in suspended matter. In Summary Membrane Filtration is the most effective form of disinfection, resulting in the highest levels of reduction for all indicator pathogens and organisms from recycled water (as can be seen in the chart overpage). Not only does it effectively remove these pathogens and organisms, it also does not require the addition of toxic chemicals and as the membranes in EcoNova MembraneSafe technology are self cleaning, safety precautions are not needed, as with Chlorine, Ozone and UV. MembraneSafe technology does not require further disinfection and therefore water quality is maintained, unlike ozonation which has low solubility and greatly reduces the effect of disinfection.