What is the difference between disinfection and sterilization?

The distinction between disinfection and sterilization is fundamental in understanding water treatment and broader microbiological practices. Sterilization is a process that completely destroys all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores, which are among the most resilient types of microorganisms. This means that after sterilization, the object or environment is free from any viable organism.

On the other hand, disinfection is primarily aimed at significantly reducing the number of pathogenic microorganisms to a level that is considered safe for human health, but it does not necessarily eliminate all microbes. Disinfection typically targets specific harmful pathogens rather than addressing all potential microorganisms. Thus, while disinfection is vital in ensuring safety, it is not as comprehensive as sterilization in terms of microbial eradication.

This distinction is crucial in the context of drinking water treatment and sanitation, where the goal is typically to reduce harmful pathogens to safe levels rather than to achieve total sterility, which may not be practical or necessary in every situation.