Which of the following is a common method for disinfecting water?

Ozonation is a widely used method for disinfecting water due to its effectiveness in killing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. This process involves introducing ozone gas into the water, where it acts as a powerful oxidizing agent. The ozone interacts with pathogens and oxidizes their cell walls, eliminating their ability to reproduce and cause illness.

Additionally, ozonation can improve the taste and odor of water as it breaks down organic compounds. It is often favored in various water treatment applications, including both drinking water and wastewater treatment, due to its rapid action and the fact that it does not leave harmful residues, unlike some chemical disinfectants.

The other methods listed, such as desalination, flocculation, and carbon filtration, serve different purposes in water treatment. Desalination is focused on removing salt from seawater to make it potable. Flocculation is a process used to remove suspended particles by aggregating them into a larger mass for easier removal, while carbon filtration primarily acts to remove chlorine, volatile organic compounds, and other impurities, rather than disinfecting by killing pathogens.