Ultraviolet or UV light has a wavelength longer that x-rays but shorter than that of visible light and is a form of electromagnetic radiation. Ultraviolet light is emitted by our Sun, however most of the mid and higher range wavelengths are blocked by ozone gas in our atmosphere. The lower range which borders the violet end range of visible light has more visible effects can be seen in manufactured devices that use UV light, such as tanning beds or black lights.
What is Ultraviolet Light?
How Does Ultraviolet Sterilization Work?
Ultraviolet light is split into several different ranges: (near the visible light range) UV-A, UV-B, UV-C, Vacuum-UV (near the x-ray range). The UV-B range is what causes sunburn on humans. UV water purifiers use the UV-C range because of its germicidal abilities. In this range the light will break molecular bonds in the DNA of viruses and bacteria, rendering them unable to reproduce and effectively killing them.
What Contaminants Does UV Light Kill?
- Cryptosporidium parvum cysts
- Giardia lamblia cysts
- Vibrio cholerae (Cholera
- Shigella dysenteriae (Dysentery)
- E.coli (Escherichia coli O157:H7)
- Salmonella typhi (Typhoid fever)
- Shigella sonne
- Legionella pneumophila (Legionaires’ disease)
- Salmonella enteritidis (causes gastroenteritis)
- Hepatitis A virus
- Poliovirus Type 1
- Coxsackie B5 virus
- Rotavirus SA11
Advantages of Ultraviolet (UV) Light Disinfection
- Effective: Virtually all microorganisms are susceptible to ultraviolet disinfection.
- Economical: Hundreds of gallons are purified for each penny of operating cost.
- Safe: No danger of overdosing, no addition of chemicals.
- Fast: Water is ready for use as soon as it leaves the purifier no further contact time required.
- Automatic: Provides continuous disinfection without special attention or measurement.
- Chemical Free: No Chlorine taste or corrosion problems.
TrueWaterQuality offers a few different UV Purification systems, including the Sanitron manufactured by Atlantic Ultraviolet.