Abstract

Biological and chemical contamination of drinking water is a recognized problem. Ultraviolet light-based processes neutralize the human health threats associated with water contamination, by inhibiting the ability of microorganisms to reproduce (UV disinfection), or destroying the target chemical compounds (UV light-induced contamination treatment). The suitability of conventional and novel UV light sources will be discussed for these applications. Semiconductor diodes are used as sensors, and the integration of sensors and light sources in a practical UV reactor will be addressed.

© 2005 Optical Society of America