What is the term for the process that uses heat to selectively destroy undesirable organisms?

The term for the process that uses heat to selectively destroy undesirable organisms is pasteurization. This method was developed by Louis Pasteur and is primarily used to kill harmful bacteria in food and liquids, such as milk, without significantly changing the flavor or quality of the product. By heating the substance to a specific temperature for a predetermined amount of time, pasteurization effectively reduces the microbial load and ensures safety for consumption.

Filtration involves physically removing particles from a liquid or gas, which does not involve the use of heat. Chlorination, on the other hand, refers to the addition of chlorine or chlorine compounds to kill or inactivate harmful microorganisms in water and wastewater, also not relying on heat. Oxidation typically refers to a chemical reaction that can break down contaminants, but this process is not specifically associated with the use of heat to eliminate organisms as pasteurization is.

Thus, pasteurization is clearly the correct term for a heat-based method aimed at reducing undesirable organisms.