What type of microorganisms does chlorination primarily target in water treatment?

Chlorination in water treatment is designed to inactivate a wide range of microorganisms, making it a versatile and critical process for ensuring water safety. It primarily targets viruses, bacteria, and protozoan cysts.

Viruses are typically resistant to many disinfection methods, but chlorination is effective at inactivating them, thereby preventing viral diseases that can be transmitted through contaminated water. Bacteria, which can cause various gastrointestinal illnesses, are also effectively controlled through chlorination, which disrupts their cellular processes. Additionally, protozoan cysts, such as those from Giardia and Cryptosporidium, are more resistant to chlorine than bacteria and viruses, but chlorination can still significantly reduce their viability, especially when applied at appropriate concentrations and contact times.

Since chlorination can effectively target all these types of microorganisms, it is essential for providing safe drinking water and protecting public health. Thus, the choice indicating that chlorination targets all of these microorganisms accurately reflects the comprehensive disinfection capability of chlorine in water treatment processes.