Which type of sterilization is effective at killing bacterial spores?

The correct answer is sterilization. This process involves the use of physical or chemical agents to destroy all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores, which are among the most resilient forms of bacteria. Sterilization methods, such as autoclaving (steam under pressure) or using certain chemical agents, achieve a high level of microbial kill that can effectively eliminate spores that are resistant to other types of cleaning or disinfection processes.

By ensuring that all microbial life is eradicated, sterilization is crucial in environments where maintaining hygiene is paramount, such as in medical and salon settings, to prevent infections and ensure client safety. Other methods mentioned, such as chemical cleaning and bacterial decontamination, may not achieve the same level of effectiveness against spores, while ultraviolet sterilization typically focuses on eliminating microorganisms on surfaces rather than achieving complete sterilization.