Nearly two-thirds of the world comprises water. However, about 97% of the water is either saline or otherwise unfit for human consumption. Water from a majority of the water sources available contains one or more contaminants. Contaminants reduce water quality, potentially making it harmful to human health and the environment as a whole.
It’s bad enough when contaminants in water can be seen, smelled or tasted. However, what if the water appears, smells, and tastes just fine? It’s a common misconception to assume that the water is safe for use. A good number of organic and microbial pollutants remain undetected by the basic human senses. With some contaminants becoming harmful after being ingested for prolonged periods, many wouldn’t become suspicious until people in the community become ill.
Here are some common water pollutants often found in clear water:
Bacteria and Viruses
While some waterborne microorganisms are harmless or beneficial to the environment, others can adversely affect human health. Clear, odourless water may naturally contain low levels of pathogenic bacteria and viruses, some of which are more harmful than others. Waterborne microbes such as E.coli and Giardia, widely regarded as the more dangerous microorganisms, adversely affect intestinal health.
Treatment methods
Chlorination is the most common treatment method for bacteria, viruses, and other waterborne microbes. It involves the addition of chlorine gas or solution to the water to eradicate any existing microorganisms. Another method is the ultraviolet disinfection method, which has gained popularity due to its chemical-free nature. Such systems expose the water to the right UV ray frequency to kill existing pathogens.
Fluorides
Fluorine is a naturally occurring element that exists in almost all soils. In water, it exists as fluoride ions and occurs due to natural deposits in water sources or poor treatment practices in municipal water supplies. Clear, odourless water could contain fluoride ion concentrations above 2mg/l, which could potentially cause discolouration and disfiguration of teeth in children after long-term consumption. In other cases, high fluoride concentrations can cause a severe bone disorder called skeletal fluorosis.
Treatment methods
In large municipal treatment systems, activated alumina is the most widespread method of fluorine removal. However, this method is specific to fluoride removal and thus not an optimal choice. Reverse osmosis, on the other hand, is an excellent way to remove fluoride ions along with other dissolved solids. RO systems with thin film composite membranes can yield up to a 95% rejection rate, making them exceptionally efficient in reducing fluorine and other dissolved solids.
Lead
Lead is a naturally occurring element with a sweet taste and may enter the human body in many ways. In clear water, it often occurs in trace quantities. As such, when ingested, lead poisoning shows no symptoms. However, nervousness, fat loss, nausea, or gastrointestinal problems are all possible symptoms at certain ingestion levels. Damage to the brain, impaired hearing, and stunted growth commonly occur in children. Lead can also cause damage to the nervous system in children and adults.
Treatment methods
Reverse osmosis can also be used to remove soluble lead impurities from water. However, given the complex nature of lead, more than one method may be needed to eliminate more complex lead contaminants. A combination of fine filtration and adsorption is also commonly used, with the use of a solid block with precoat adsorption filters made using a mixture of activated carbon and lead adsorbent can efficiently remove lead impurities.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
Water is the driving force of all nature. It is essential in the everyday activities of human life. However, quality water is crucial to prevent loss of life and severe health concerns. Even if the water doesn’t appear or smell contaminated, testing the water before use is crucial. Get water testing and treatment services and equipment to help you with water analysis and treatment.