Common Water Pollutants That Can Be Treated Using Watertech Water Purifiers
Common Water Pollutants That Can Be Treated Using Watertech Water Purifiers
Water is a crucial resource that sustains life on earth. It is used for a variety of purposes, including drinking, cooking, cleaning, and irrigation. However, not all water sources are clean and safe for human consumption. Even treated water from public water systems can sometimes contain contaminants that are not completely removed during the treatment process. It is therefore essential to ensure that the water we consume is clean and safe to prevent waterborne diseases and health problems. In this post we will talk about common water pollutants that can be treated using Watertech water purifiers.
Common water pollutants that can be treated using Watertech water purifiers
What are water pollutants?
Water pollutants are substances or agents that contaminate water, making it harmful or unsuitable for human consumption or use. These can be natural or man-made, and they can come from various sources, including industrial and agricultural activities, sewage and wastewater discharges, and natural phenomena such as erosion and volcanic activity. Water pollutants can include microorganisms, chemicals, metals, and suspended solids, among others, and they can have adverse effects on human health, aquatic life, and the environment. Water treatment processes are designed to remove or reduce these pollutants to make water safe for consumption and other uses.
Water pollutants are classified into the following:
Microorganisms
Microorganisms in water are microscopic organisms that can pose a serious threat to human health. These tiny creatures are classified into three groups, each with their own unique characteristics and health risks.
The first category of waterborne microorganisms is bacteria, which are responsible for some of the most notorious waterborne diseases like typhoid, cholera, and dysentery. These diseases can be life-threatening, and even in less severe cases, they can cause prolonged discomfort and sickness. Bacteria are commonly found in water sources that have been contaminated by human or animal waste, which can occur due to poor sanitation practices or natural disasters.
The second category of waterborne microorganisms is protozoan parasites, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium. These parasites can cause a range of gastrointestinal illnesses, including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. They are often present in contaminated water sources, particularly in areas where sanitation is poor or access to clean water is limited.
Finally, viruses such as rotavirus and norovirus are another type of waterborne microorganism that can cause serious illness in humans. These viruses are highly contagious and can spread rapidly through contaminated water sources, leading to symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, and vomiting.
It’s important to note that consuming water contaminated with any of these microorganisms can lead to illness within days, which can be especially dangerous for vulnerable populations like newborns and children. Microbes are often found in all surface waters and shallow groundwater, as well as in municipal water systems that are poorly managed and maintained. Therefore, it is essential to ensure proper treatment and handling of water sources to prevent the spread of these dangerous microorganisms.
Suspended solids
Suspended solids refer to tiny particles of soil or other materials that float in water. They can be a major concern for water quality, as they can have a significant impact on both the appearance and safety of the water. By understanding the sources and impacts of these particles, we can take steps to monitor and manage them to ensure that our water remains safe and healthy for all.
One of the most noticeable effects of suspended solids is that they can make water appear hazy or muddy, which is officially known as “turbidity.” This can be particularly problematic for water used in industrial or residential settings, as it can make it difficult to see through the water and affect its aesthetic appeal.
However, the impact of suspended solids on water quality goes beyond just appearance. These particles can also act as a carrier for other contaminants, such as agricultural or industrial pollutants. This means that even if the suspended sediment particles themselves are not harmful, they can still be linked to other harmful substances that may be present in the water.
Suspended solids are most commonly a concern in surface waters such as rivers, earth pans, and unprotected springs. These water sources are more vulnerable to contamination from soil and other materials, as they are not protected by underground aquifers or other natural barriers. This makes it especially important to monitor and control levels of suspended solids in these types of water sources to maintain water quality and protect public health.
Salinity
TDS (for “total dissolved solids”) is another term for salinity. Salinity refers to the concentration of dissolved salts in water. This can include a variety of different salts, including sodium, chloride, magnesium, and calcium, among others.
Salinity levels can vary widely depending on the source of the water. For example, ocean water is known for its high salinity levels, while freshwater sources like rivers and lakes typically have much lower levels of dissolved salts.
Salinity can have a significant impact on the quality and suitability of water for various uses. In general, higher levels of salinity can make water less suitable for drinking, as the taste can be unpleasant and the high salt content can have negative health effects over time. Salt can also have corrosive effects on pipes and other infrastructure, which can be costly to repair or replace.
On the other hand, some industries actually rely on high-salinity water for their operations. For example, the oil and gas industry often uses saline water in hydraulic fracturing operations, while some agricultural operations use saline water for irrigation in certain regions.
Overall, salinity is an important factor to consider when evaluating water quality and determining its suitability for different uses. By understanding the sources and impacts of salinity in water, we can take steps to manage and control its levels to ensure that our water remains safe and healthy for all.
Trace pollutants that occur naturally.
Trace pollutants are substances that occur naturally in the environment in very small quantities, but can have significant impacts on human health when present at high levels. It is important to monitor and manage levels of these pollutants to ensure that our water remains safe and healthy for all. By understanding the sources and impacts of these substances, we can take steps to protect public health and prevent exposure to harmful contaminants.
Two such pollutants are arsenic and fluoride, which can both be found in some groundwater sources.
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that can be found in rocks and soil, as well as in some groundwater sources. While arsenic is present in very small quantities in most water sources, elevated levels can be harmful to human health. Long-term exposure to high levels of arsenic has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, as well as skin lesions and other health problems.
Fluoride is another naturally occurring substance that can be found in some groundwater sources. While fluoride is commonly added to drinking water supplies to help prevent tooth decay, high levels of fluoride can actually have negative health effects, including dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, and other health problems. Groundwater with high fluoride levels is particularly common in certain regions of Kenya, including Central, Nairobi, and Rift Valley Provinces.
Industrial pollutants
Industrial pollutants are substances that are released into the environment as a result of various industrial activities, such as manufacturing, mining, and energy production. These pollutants can take many forms, including gases, liquids, and solids, and can have a wide range of negative impacts on the environment and human health. It is important to carefully monitor and manage these pollutants to minimize their release and protect public health and the environment. This can include measures like improved pollution controls, the use of cleaner production processes, and the implementation of waste reduction and recycling programs.
Heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and cadmium are just a few examples of the many contaminants that can be found in our water sources. These substances, along with a range of industrial chemicals, can have serious negative impacts on human health and the environment.
Industrial chemicals can come from a wide range of sources, including fuels, manufacturing processes, and other industrial activities. Some of the most common industrial contaminants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are lightweight organic compounds often used as solvents. Petroleum hydrocarbons, such as those found in gasoline and diesel fuel, are another common class of contaminants, as are benzene and related compounds (known as BTEX).
In addition to these lighter-weight contaminants, heavier compounds such as PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) are also a concern. PCBs were commonly used in a variety of industrial applications before being banned in the 1970s due to their negative impacts on human health and the environment. While they are no longer in use, PCBs can still be found in sediment and other environmental sources.
Overall, industrial chemicals are more commonly found in groundwater sources than in surface waters like rivers and streams. However, rivers near or downstream of heavy industrial zones can also be impacted by these contaminants, especially if runoff from industrial sites enters the water. By understanding the sources and impacts of industrial chemicals and other contaminants, we can take steps to reduce exposure and protect public health and the environment.
Agricultural Contaminants
Pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides are agricultural materials that are hazardous to human health. These toxins are not immediately hazardous, but consuming large amounts of them over time may increase the probability of certain diseases, including cancer. Agricultural pollutants are most commonly detected in groundwater from intensively cultivated areas and waterways downstream of these locations.
Buy high-quality water purifiers from us
In the above discussion, we have talked about the common water pollutants that can be treated using Watertech water purifiers. If you need a high-quality water purifier then you are at the right place. At Watertech, we are the market leaders in the manufacturing of high-quality water purifiers.
Get in touch with us today via WhatsApp, phone call, email, contact us form or leaving your comment below. You can also visit us in Kimbo Ruiru next to Rubis petrol station at Toll bus stop. We are eager to serve you.
