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Multiple Choice

Which statement accurately describes Cryptosporidium in water?

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite that forms hardy oocysts, which are highly resistant to chlorine disinfection. Because of this resilience, standard chlorine levels used in pools and some water-treatment scenarios may not inactivate the organism quickly, allowing it to persist for days. This is why chlorine alone is not reliable for eliminating Cryptosporidium from water, and why additional measures such as effective filtration (to physically remove oocysts) and sometimes UV disinfection are recommended. It is found in water, and it is not a bacterium, so statements claiming instant kill by chlorination or that it isn’t present in water are incorrect.

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite that forms hardy oocysts, which are highly resistant to chlorine disinfection. Because of this resilience, standard chlorine levels used in pools and some water-treatment scenarios may not inactivate the organism quickly, allowing it to persist for days. This is why chlorine alone is not reliable for eliminating Cryptosporidium from water, and why additional measures such as effective filtration (to physically remove oocysts) and sometimes UV disinfection are recommended. It is found in water, and it is not a bacterium, so statements claiming instant kill by chlorination or that it isn’t present in water are incorrect.