Disinfection destroys pathogens without sterilizing the water. Is this statement true or false?

The statement is true because disinfection refers to the process of reducing or eliminating pathogenic microorganisms in water to safe levels, but it does not necessarily involve the complete elimination of all microbial life, which is what sterilization accomplishes. Disinfection typically employs chemical agents, physical processes, or a combination of both to target and inactivate harmful pathogens, thus making the water safe for consumption or environmental discharge.

The focus of disinfection is primarily on harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and some protozoa, which can pose health risks. Unlike sterilization, which aims for total microbial reduction (including non-pathogenic bacteria and spores), disinfection seeks to achieve a level of safety where pathogens are sufficiently diminished. Therefore, while disinfection fulfills its purpose of cleaning water for safe use, it does not achieve the thoroughness of sterilization, confirming that the statement is indeed true.