Which of the following processes is primarily used for pathogen removal in water treatment?

The primary process used for pathogen removal in water treatment is reverse osmosis. This technique involves forcing water through a semipermeable membrane that effectively removes a wide range of contaminants, including pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. The small pore size of the membrane creates a barrier that pathogens cannot pass through, ensuring that the treated water is safe for consumption.

While other options can also contribute to pathogen reduction, they may not be as effective on their own for complete removal. Biological aerated filtration can help in reducing pathogens through biological processes but is typically more focused on removing organic matter and nutrients rather than being solely dedicated to pathogen removal. Micron filtration can effectively filter out larger pathogens, but it may not capture all viruses or smaller microorganisms. Advanced oxidation processes involve generating reactive species that can decompose pollutants and pathogens, but they are often not the primary method used for direct pathogen removal in water treatment systems.

Thus, reverse osmosis stands out as a highly effective process specifically designed to ensure thorough removal of pathogens from water, making it the best choice for this question.