Research Progress of the Application of UV Light-Emitting Diodes for Water Disinfection

Abstract

With the increasing global demand for safe drinking water, the search for effective and economical water treatment technologies has become an urgent need. Ultraviolet (UV) light sterilization is a proven method for eliminating bacteria in water, but traditional UV systems often rely on mercury lamps, which pose potential environmental and health risks. In recent years, the development of UV-LED technology has offered a new solution for water treatment. This article provides a detailed explanation of the working principles, technological advantages, and applications of UV-LEDs in water treatment. By comparing them with traditional UV systems, UV-LEDs not only demonstrate lower energy consumption and longer lifespan, but also avoid the use of toxic mercury. Despite current challenges in cost and technological maturity, the environmental friendliness and efficiency potential of UV-LED technology indicate a promising market outlook. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of UV-LED technology for practitioners and researchers in the water treatment industry, and to explore its future development directions.