Diatomaceous earth filters should be augmented by which of the following?

Diatomaceous earth filters are widely used in water treatment processes for their ability to remove a variety of contaminants, particularly small particles and microorganisms. However, while they effectively filter out particles, they do not provide disinfection against pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. This is where chlorination comes into play.

Chlorination is a well-established method for disinfecting water, as chlorine is a powerful oxidizing agent that can kill or inactivate harmful microorganisms. When used in conjunction with diatomaceous earth filters, chlorination ensures that any pathogens that may have passed through or settled in the water are effectively dealt with, ensuring that the water is safe for consumption.

In contrast, reverse osmosis is primarily a type of filtration that removes dissolved solids and certain contaminants, but it does not specifically target microbial disinfection or augment the filtration capability of diatomaceous earth. Similarly, carbon adsorption is effective for removing certain organic compounds and improving taste and odor but does not address disinfection needs. Additional filtration does not augment the processes in a manner that specifically addresses the need for pathogen control. Therefore, chlorination is the most suitable and effective augmentation for diatomaceous earth filters to ensure both physical filtration and microbial safety.