Which method of water treatment does not effectively remove viruses?

Filtration, particularly standard filtration methods, is often less effective in removing viruses from water compared to other treatments. This is because viruses are significantly smaller than bacteria and many pathogens that filtration methods typically target, and they can pass through the pores of common filter materials designed to clear out larger particles.

In contrast, boiling water is a highly effective method for inactivating viruses, as the high temperatures can kill most pathogens. Chlorination is also effective since chlorine kills various types of microorganisms, including viruses, by disrupting their cellular processes. Ultraviolet (UV) treatment additionally serves as a powerful method to inactivate viruses by damaging their genetic material and destroying their ability to replicate.

Thus, while filtration plays an important role in the overall water treatment process, particularly for particulate matter, it does not adequately address the challenge posed by viruses.