Purification of water is essential to remove impurities and make it safe for drinking and industrial use. The methods vary depending on wh...
Purification of water is essential to remove impurities and make it safe for drinking and industrial use. The methods vary depending on whether purification is carried out at an industrial (large-scale) level or at a personal (household) level.
1. Industrial-Level Purification
Industries and municipalities treat water on a large scale to supply clean water to communities. Common methods include:
1. Sedimentation and Coagulation
Chemicals like alum are added to water.
Suspended particles stick together, become heavy, and settle at the bottom.
2. Filtration
Water passes through layers of sand, gravel, and charcoal.
Removes fine particles, color, and microorganisms.
3. Chlorination
Chlorine gas or compounds are added to kill harmful bacteria and viruses.
This is the most widely used disinfection method.
4. Ozonation
Ozone gas is bubbled through water.
Strongly kills bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens without leaving harmful taste or smell.
5. Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation
Water is exposed to UV light.
Destroys DNA of microorganisms and makes them inactive.
6. Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane.
Removes salts, chemicals, and even very small particles.
Often used in bottled water industries and desalination plants.
7. Distillation (limited use industrially)
Water is boiled, vaporized, and condensed back into liquid form.
Removes salts and heavy metals but is expensive for large-scale use.
2. Personal-Level Purification
Individuals and households use simpler methods to purify water for daily consumption:
1. Boiling
Simple and effective.
Kills most bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
2. Household Chlorination
Adding chlorine tablets or bleaching powder in correct amounts.
Effective against microbes but may leave a taste.
3. Filtration (Household Filters)
Ceramic filters, activated carbon filters, and sand filters remove particles and germs.
Often used in rural and urban households.
4. Solar Disinfection (SODIS)
Water is filled in transparent bottles and kept under sunlight for 6–8 hours.
UV rays of the sun kill microorganisms.
5. Portable Water Purifiers
Handy filters or straws with activated carbon and membranes.
Useful in travel and emergencies.
6. Reverse Osmosis (Home Units)
Domestic RO systems remove salts, chemicals, and microbes.
Widely used in urban homes.
7. Distillation (Small Scale)
Heating and condensing water.
Effective for removing dissolved salts and metals but energy-intensive.
Conclusion
At the industrial level, purification focuses on treating huge volumes of water using advanced technologies like coagulation, filtration, chlorination, ozonation, UV, and RO. At the personal level, simple methods like boiling, chlorination tablets, filtration, and solar disinfection ensure safe drinking water. Both levels are crucial for preventing waterborne diseases and protecting public health.
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