In water purification, various minerals and chemicals are used to treat raw water sources and ensure that the water meets quality standards for safe drinking, industrial processes, and environmental protection. Here are some common minerals and chemicals used in water purification:
Chlorine: Chlorine is one of the most widely used disinfectants for water treatment. It effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms present in water to prevent waterborne diseases. Chlorine is typically added to water in the form of chlorine gas, sodium hypochlorite, or calcium hypochlorite.
Chloramines: Chloramines are compounds formed by combining chlorine with ammonia. They are used as an alternative disinfectant to chlorine and provide longer-lasting residual disinfection in water distribution systems. Chloramines are less reactive than chlorine and produce fewer disinfection byproducts.
Ozone: Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent used for disinfection and oxidation in water treatment. It effectively destroys bacteria, viruses, and organic contaminants in water and helps reduce taste, odor, and color. Ozone is produced on-site using ozone generators and is injected into water as a gas or dissolved in water as ozone-enriched water.
UV (Ultraviolet) Light: UV disinfection systems use ultraviolet light to inactivate bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms present in water. UV light damages the DNA of microorganisms, preventing them from reproducing and causing disease. UV disinfection is effective against a wide range of pathogens and does not introduce chemicals into the water.
Activated Carbon: Activated carbon is a porous material with a large surface area that adsorbs organic compounds, chemicals, and contaminants from water. Activated carbon filters are used to remove taste, odor, color, chlorine, chloramines, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other organic contaminants from water.
Alum (Aluminum Sulfate): Alum is a coagulant chemical used for flocculation and sedimentation in water treatment. It reacts with suspended particles, colloids, and organic matter in water to form flocs, which can be easily removed by filtration or sedimentation. Alum helps clarify water and reduce turbidity, color, and particulate matter.
Polymer Flocculants: Polymer flocculants are synthetic chemicals used to enhance the coagulation and flocculation process in water treatment. They improve the formation and settling of flocs, leading to improved clarification and sedimentation. Polymer flocculants are commonly used in conjunction with coagulants such as alum or ferric chloride.
pH Adjusting Chemicals: pH adjusting chemicals such as lime (calcium hydroxide) and soda ash (sodium carbonate) are used to adjust the pH of water to the desired range for effective treatment processes. pH adjustment helps optimize coagulation, flocculation, and disinfection, as well as prevent corrosion and scale formation in distribution systems.
These minerals and chemicals play vital roles in various water treatment processes, including disinfection, oxidation, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and pH adjustment, ensuring that water is safe, clean, and suitable for its intended use. The selection and dosage of minerals and chemicals depend on factors such as water quality, treatment objectives, regulatory requirements, and operational considerations.
