The 5 Different Types of Water Purification Methods

1. Boiling
Boiling is the simplest of all water purification methods. It is effective because it kills 99.9% of all living things
and vaporizes most chemicals. It’s a good method to use for water contaminated by living micro-organisms.
How Boiling Works
The micro-organisms are eliminated by heating the water to its boiling point.
Because some bacteria can resist high temperatures, you need to ensure the water boils
for 3-7 minutes, depending on your altitude. For people living in high altitude areas,
it is recommended to boil your water for longer than water boiled at lower altitudes. This
is because water boils at lower temperatures in higher altitudes.
After adequate boiling, let the water cool down. This is important to allow any solid
matter in it to settle at the bottom. After cooling, the water is safe for human consumption.
Boiling removes all oxygen from water, and the result is that it may taste flat. However, this is a minor negative
as it can be solved by simply shaking the purified water in its container. Also, to improve the taste of the water,
a pinch of salt may be added.
2. Chlorination
Chlorination is one of the most common water purification techniques that has been in use for many years.
Likely, it is because it is easily available, cheap, and effective. Chlorine is a heavy-duty oxidant that swiftly
kills many germs, parasites, and other disease-causing organisms found in ground or tap water.
How Chlorination Works
It is important to carefully follow the instruction on the chlorine packaging to
ensure proper safety and successful water treatment.
Carefully mix the bleach with contaminated water according to the prescribed
ratio and permit to stand for at least 30 minutes. If the water is chalky, allow at
least an hour. After that, you can enjoy a rather strange-tasting, yet purified,
delight.
When using chlorine tablets, if possible, apply them in heated water, as they
dissolve better in water that is at least 21 degrees Celsius.
3. Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Reverse Osmosis, commonly referred to as RO, is the perfect solution if you’re looking to improve the taste,
odor, and appearance of your water. Reverse Osmosis is a method universally known for its effective
purification of seawater. It is a process in which dissolved inorganic solids, such as fluoride, chlorine, lead, and
pesticides are removed from water by applying pressure more than the osmotic pressure and pushing the water
through a semi-permeable membrane.
How RO Works
An RO membrane is a semi-permeable membrane or special filter that allows the passage of water molecules
but not the majority of dissolved salts, organics, and bacteria.
RO works by using a high- pressure pump to increase the pressure of the
contaminated water pushing it across the semi-permeable RO membrane. To
successfully remove these impurities, the pressure used has to be greater
than the naturally occurring osmotic pressure.
This pressured filtration ensures almost 99% of dissolved salts are sieved
out. The amount of pressure required depends on the concentration of
contamination in the feed water. The higher the concentration, the more
the pressure required to overcome the osmotic pressure.
4. Distillation
Distillation is one of the simplest water purification processes. A water distillation system is simply designed
to purify your water in an inexpensive, quick, and effective way. This process has only two operations, namely
evaporation, and condensation. You only need two things to set up simple distillation: a heat source and a
condenser. It provides water with a clarity that is up to 98% free of impurities.
How Distillation Works
The concept behind purifying water through distillation is pretty simple.
Distillation heats the contaminated water until it reaches its relatively low
boiling point and begins to vaporize.
Keep in mind that water has a lower boiling point than the contaminants
and minerals within it. Therefore, the heat of the water is kept at this
temperature to maintain the vaporization process while stopping other elements
from vaporizing as well. That vapor is then funneled into a condenser in a
separate area from where the process started, where it cools and reverts to
its liquid form.
5. Filtration
Filtration is a method of physical or mechanical separation of one
substance to another in a liquid through a suitable media. Traditionally, this media comprised of sand and
granules but modern filtration systems use carbon as the main constituent material of the filter. Many
commercial filters use multiple filtration measures to work together, the most common being the activated
carbon filter (ACF).
How Filtration Works
Most ACFs are made from raw materials such as nutshells, wood, coal, and petroleum.
One principal mechanism by which it works is adsorption.
When the contaminated water flows through ACF, the chemicals stick to the carbon
resulting in purer water output.
The filters effectiveness depends on the flow and temperature of the water. Thus,
smaller active carbon filters, such as pitchers and water ionizers, should be used with low
pressure and cold water.

SUBMITTED TO: Ms NIMRAH

SUBMITTED BY: SHANZAY IFTIKHAR (IV-A)