Ultraviolet light (UV) destroys the DNA/RNA structure of microorganisms, making them lose their ability to replicate, thereby achieving the purpose of inactivating pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The main effective band is UV-C (200-280nm), especially 254nm wavelength has the best effect.

UV disinfection produces carcinogenic UV disinfection byproducts. In recent years, the discovery of Giardia and Cryptosporidium has posed a severe challenge to the existing UV disinfection process.

The advantages of using UV light to kill waterborne infectious bacteria have been widely recognized. In fact, industry was one of the early adopters of this technology. Today, almost all industries use UV technology in water treatment systems, including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, health care, manufacturing, high-tech industries, e