What method uses sunlight to kill infectious microbes?

What method uses sunlight to kill infectious microbes?

• A. UV Exposure for Water Purification
• B. LifeStraw
• C. Lead Pipe Leaching
• D. Safe Drinking Water Act

Answer: (A)

Sunlight can inactivate infectious microbes by delivering ultraviolet (UV) radiation that damages their genetic material. This strength of UV light disrupts DNA or RNA, creating lesions that prevent microbes from replicating and spreading. Water treated this way relies on clear sunlight exposure, often in transparent containers, to deliver enough UV energy and a bit of heat to enhance the effect. This approach, known as solar disinfection, is practical in resource-limited settings because it uses a readily available energy source—sunlight. The option describing UV exposure for water purification fits this concept precisely. It’s not about filtering pathogens out (that’s what the LifeStraw does), nor about pipe material or regulatory laws (lead pipe leaching and the Safe Drinking Water Act), which operate through different mechanisms.

Sunlight can inactivate infectious microbes by delivering ultraviolet (UV) radiation that damages their genetic material. This strength of UV light disrupts DNA or RNA, creating lesions that prevent microbes from replicating and spreading. Water treated this way relies on clear sunlight exposure, often in transparent containers, to deliver enough UV energy and a bit of heat to enhance the effect. This approach, known as solar disinfection, is practical in resource-limited settings because it uses a readily available energy source—sunlight.

The option describing UV exposure for water purification fits this concept precisely. It’s not about filtering pathogens out (that’s what the LifeStraw does), nor about pipe material or regulatory laws (lead pipe leaching and the Safe Drinking Water Act), which operate through different mechanisms.