How is UV light used to sterilize water?
An electric arc, struck the length of the lamp, travels through an inert gas. The UV light passes through a special quartz glass which is placed in the water current. The water flows around the UV lamp exposing any microorganisms, viruses, bacteria and/or algae to a lethal dose of UV light. Ultraviolet lig ht penetrates the cell wall of a microorganism and reacts with the microorganisms DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). The C=C carbon bond in the molecules of the microorganism is broken causing cellular death. The microorganism is rendered incapable of growing and multiplying. UV is very effective, destroying 99.9% of harmful organisms. After UV light exposure, a strong oxidative effect occurs on any orgaism that passes through the media, converting algae, pathogens, and viruses into harmless inert byproducts.
