Water is an essential element that humans need to survive, and having access to clean and safe drinking water is crucial to our well-being. However, not all water sources are clean and safe to drink. In many parts of the world, access to clean water is limited, and many people have to resort to drinking contaminated water, which can lead to illnesses and diseases. Water purification is the process of removing contaminants and impurities from water, making it safe for consumption. In this article, we will discuss the various methods of water purification and how to purify water for drinking.
Why is Water Purification Necessary?
Water can contain various contaminants and impurities, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and chemicals, which can cause illnesses and diseases. Drinking contaminated water can lead to a range of health problems, including diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A, and other water-borne diseases. Water purification is necessary to remove these contaminants and make the water safe for consumption.
Methods of Water Purification
There are various methods of water purification, including:
- Boiling
- Filtration
- Chlorination
- Distillation
- Reverse osmosis
- UV treatment
1. Boiling
Boiling is one of the simplest and most effective methods of water purification. Boiling water for at least one minute can kill most of the bacteria, viruses, and parasites that may be present in the water. Boiling water does not remove any chemical contaminants that may be present in the water, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and herbicides.
2. Filtration
Filtration is the process of passing water through a physical barrier to remove impurities. There are various types of water filters available, including activated carbon filters, ceramic filters, and reverse osmosis filters. Activated carbon filters are effective at removing chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and some other chemical contaminants. Ceramic filters can remove bacteria and parasites, but they may not be effective at removing viruses. Reverse osmosis filters can remove most contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and chemicals, but they are expensive and require electricity to operate.
3. Chlorination
Chlorination is the process of adding chlorine to water to kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Chlorination is an effective method of water purification and is commonly used in municipal water treatment plants. However, chlorination does not remove any chemical contaminants that may be present in the water, and it can produce harmful byproducts, such as trihalomethanes (THMs), when chlorine reacts with organic matter in the water.
4. Distillation
Distillation is the process of heating water to create steam, which is then condensed to form pure water. Distillation can remove most contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and chemicals, but it is an expensive and energy-intensive process.
5. Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis is a process that uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove impurities and contaminants from water. The membrane allows water molecules to pass through while blocking impurities and contaminants.
6. Ultraviolet (UV) Treatment
UV treatment is the process of exposing water to UV radiation to kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites. UV treatment is an effective method of water purification, but it requires electricity to operate and does not remove any chemical contaminants that may be present in the water.
Steps to Purify Water
Now that we have discussed the various methods of water purification, let’s take a look at the steps involved in purifying water:
Step 1: Collection
The first step in purifying water is to collect it from a clean source. If you are collecting water from a natural source, such as a river or stream, make sure to collect it from a spot that is upstream from any human or animal activity. If you are collecting water from a municipal supply, it is already treated, but you may still need to purify it if there are any concerns about the quality of the water.
Step 2: Filtration
Filtration involves passing water through a filter to remove any particles, sediment, and debris. There are several types of filters available, including sand filters, activated carbon filters, and ceramic filters.
Sand filters are the most common type of filter used in water purification. They work by trapping particles and sediment in the sand, allowing clean water to pass through. Activated carbon filters work by adsorbing impurities and contaminants onto the surface of the carbon filter. Ceramic filters work by using small pores to trap particles and contaminants.
To purify water using filtration, follow these steps:
- Fill a clean container with water.
- Attach the filter to the container.
- Pour the water through the filter.
- Collect the purified water in another clean container.
Filtration is effective for removing particles and sediment from water, but it may not remove chemical contaminants or pathogens.
Step 3: Settling
After filtration, the water should be allowed to settle for a few minutes. During this time, any remaining particles or debris will settle to the bottom of the container. Carefully pour the clear water into a new container, leaving the sediment behind.
Step 4: Boiling
Boiling water is one of the easiest and most common ways of purifying water. Boiling water kills most bacteria, viruses, and parasites that may be present in the water. To purify water using boiling, follow these steps:
- Bring the water to a rolling boil for at least one minute.
- Allow the water to cool before drinking.
- To improve the taste of the water, you can pour it back and forth between two clean containers to aerate it.
Boiling water is effective for purifying water, but it may not remove chemical contaminants or impurities that have a boiling point higher than water.
Step 5: Chemical Treatment
If boiling is not an option, you can use chemical treatment to purify water. There are several chemical treatments available, including chlorine, iodine, and water purification tablets.
Chlorine is a common chemical used for water purification. To use chlorine, add eight drops of 6% chlorine bleach to one gallon of water, or 16 drops to two gallons of water. Stir the water and let it sit for 30 minutes before drinking.
Iodine is another chemical used for water purification. To use iodine, add five drops of 2% iodine solution to one quart of water, or ten drops to one gallon of water. Stir the water and let it sit for 30 minutes before drinking.
Water purification tablets are a convenient and easy way to purify water. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Step 6: Ultraviolet (UV) Treatment
Ultraviolet (UV) treatment is another method of water purification. UV treatment is effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and parasites but does not remove any chemical contaminants that may be present in the water.
To use UV treatment, fill a clear plastic bottle with water and expose it to direct sunlight for six hours. The UV radiation from the sun will kill most bacteria, viruses, and parasites that may be present in the water.
Step 7: Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis is a process that uses a semipermeable membrane to remove contaminants from the water. Reverse osmosis is an effective method of water purification and can remove most contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and chemicals. However, reverse osmosis requires electricity to operate and can be expensive.
Step 8: Distillation
Distillation involves boiling water and collecting the steam to remove impurities and contaminants. Distillation is effective for removing most impurities and contaminants, including heavy metals, salts, and pathogens.
To purify water using distillation, follow these steps:
- Fill a clean container with water.
- Pour the water into a distiller.
- Heat the distiller to boiling.
- Collect the steam in another container.
- Allow the distilled water to cool before drinking.
Distillation is effective for removing most impurities and contaminants, but it can be time-consuming and may require specialized equipment.
Final Words
In conclusion, having access to clean and safe drinking water is essential for maintaining good health. Water purification is the process of removing impurities, contaminants, and pathogens from water to make it safe for drinking. There are various methods of water purification, including boiling, chemical treatment, filtration, and UV treatment. The method of water purification used depends on the level of contamination in the water source and the specific impurities present.
Boiling water is a simple and effective method of water purification that can be used to purify water from natural sources such as lakes and streams. Chemical treatment is another method of water purification that involves adding chemicals such as chlorine or iodine to kill bacteria and viruses. Filtration involves passing water through a filter to remove impurities and contaminants, while UV treatment uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses.
It is essential to choose the appropriate method of water purification based on the level of contamination in the water source. By following the methods of water purification outlined in this article, you can ensure that your drinking water is safe and clean. Remember to always prioritize safety and health by purifying your water before consuming it, especially when travelling or in emergency situations.