Water and Wastewater Terms Beginning U

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

ultraviolet (UV)

Pertaining to a band of electromagnetic radiation just beyond the visible light spectrum used in water and wastewater treatment for disinfection. When ultraviolet radiation is absorbed by the cells of microorganisms, it damages the genetic material in such a way that the organisms are no longer able to grow or reproduce, thus ultimately killing them.