What is the size range of Giardia cysts?

Giardia cysts are a type of protozoan that can be found in contaminated water sources and are known to be a cause of gastrointestinal illness in humans. The size range of Giardia cysts is typically between 8 to 20 microns. This range is important as it highlights the need for effective filtration and treatment methods in water treatment plants to remove or inactivate these organisms before water is supplied for human consumption. Understanding the precise size of these cysts is also critical for operators implementing monitoring and control processes within water treatment facilities, as well as for the design of filtration systems that target particulates at this scale. Knowing that cysts fall within this specified range helps ensure that the necessary precautions are taken to mitigate the risks associated with waterborne pathogens.