What is a limitation of UV treatment for water disinfection?

The reason why this choice is the correct answer is tied to the operational requirements of UV treatment systems for water disinfection. While UV disinfection is an effective method for killing or inactivating pathogens in water, it heavily depends on a reliable power source to operate the UV lamps. In many rural areas, especially those with limited infrastructure, electricity may be inconsistent or entirely unavailable. This reliance on electricity can make the implementation of UV disinfection systems challenging in those regions.

In contrast, other options highlight characteristics that do not align with the limitations posed by UV treatment. For instance, UV treatment cannot be used effectively under all environmental conditions; factors such as water turbidity can impede the UV light's effectiveness. Additionally, UV systems do require electricity to function, making the claim that they don't is incorrect. Lastly, while UV disinfection effectively neutralizes harmful microorganisms, it does not remove particulates or contaminants from water, which is an important distinction regarding its capabilities.