TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................1
1.1Water & its Importance..........................................................................1
1.2Water Degradation.................................................................................2
1.3 Water Purification................................................................................ 6
OBJECTIVES & METHODS OF STUDY................................................7
LITERATURE REVIEW...........................................................................8
RESULT AND DISCUSSIONS.................................................................9
1. Physical Methods
2. Chemical Methods
3. Biological Methods
4. Membrane Technologies
5. Thermal Technologies
6. UV Radiation
7. Ion Exchange
CONCLUSIONS........................................................................................23
SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH.......................................24
REFERENCES...........................................................................................25

1
ABSTRACT

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INTRODUCTION
WATER & ITS IMPORTANCE
Water is a transparent, tasteless, odorless, and nearly colorless chemical substance, which
is the main constituent of Earth’s hydrosphere, and the fluids of most living organisms. It
is vital for all known forms of life, even though it provides no calorie organic nutrients.
Its chemical formula is H2O, meaning that each of its molecules contains one oxygen and
two hydrogen atoms, connected by covalent bonds.
Water is the name of the liquid state of H2O at standard temperature and pressure. The
other two common states of matter of water are the solid phase, ice, and the gaseous
phase, water vapor or steam. The addition or removal of heat can cause phase
transitions: freezing (water to ice), melting (ice to water), vaporization (water to
vapor), condensation (vapor to water), sublimation (ice to vapor) and deposition (vapor to
ice). On a pressure/temperature phase diagram, there are curves separating solid from
vapor, vapor from liquid, and liquid from solid. These meet at a single point called
the triple point, where all three phases can coexist. The triple point is at a temperature of
273.16 K and a pressure of 0.00604 atm it is the lowest pressure at which liquid water
can exist.
Water moves continually through the water cycle of evaporation, transpiration,
condensation, precipitation, and runoff, usually reaching the sea. The distribution of
water on the Earth’s surface is extremely uneven. Only 3% of water on the surface is
fresh; the remaining 97% resides in the ocean. Of freshwater, 69% resides in glaciers,
30% underground, and less than 1% is located in lakes, rivers, and swamps. Scientifically
water is the most unique material on earth and arguably in the universe.
Humanity depends on sea life for food, and they require conditions under which oxygen
(O2) has sufficient solubility in water. Marine plants require carbon dioxide (CO 2), which
must be dissolved in water; in order for photosynthesis to There can be no life without
water. Even in bulk form, more than half of every biological cell is water. Water has
extreme qualities as a solvent, reactant, and product. With those pivotal roles, each item
of water uniqueness qualities is pivotal to forming the biomolecular structure and driving
all functions of a living system. Life depends on the produce carbohydrates, which
releases oxygen.
Water plays a crucial role in industry, agriculture and human life. Its use has increased
ten-fold between 1900 and 2000. On a global scale, about 70% of clean water from
available sources is used for agricultural purposes, primarily irrigation, with the
remainder used for domestic and industrial purposes. Given demographic and economic
trends, it is expected that two-thirds of the world population will live in water-stressed
countries by 2025 and the world will need 40% more water by then. One of the major

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challenges to our society is to find viable solutions to the growing shortage of clean
water. Urgent steps to be taken are: saving water and finding cost-effective methods for
treating wastewater, recycling it, and thus increasing the water supply.
ANNUAL WATER CONSUMPTION (in metric tons)

Estimated water availability worldwide

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WATER DEGRADATION
Due to different types of natural and anthropogenic activities surface and ground water
become contaminated. Water pollution by toxic pollutions (inorganic and organic) has
become a subject of interest. The problem of water quality degradation of both surface
and sub-surface streams has been evident for a long time. The quality of drinking water is
an important factor in determining human welfare. It has been noted that polluted
drinking water is the cause for waterborne diseases which wiped out the entire
populations of cities. The major sources of water pollution are domestic waste from urban
and rural areas, and industrial wastes which are discharged into natural water bodies. The
rivers and lakes near urban centers emit disgusting odors and fish are being killed in
millions along the sea coasts.
INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS
Contaminants include the minerals and toxic metals. Some of these contaminants, like
calcium and magnesium are naturally occurring. Others like copper and lead usually get
into the water from pipes. Some of these contaminants such as lead and arsenic can be
quite dangerous. Contaminants include:
Contaminant Sources To Water Potential health and other effects
Aluminum Occurs naturally in some rocks and Can precipitate out of water
drainage from after treatment, causing
increased turbidity or discolored
water.
Antimony Enters environment from natural Decreases longevity, alters
weathering, industrial production, blood levels of glucose and
municipal waste disposal, and cholesterol,
manufacturing of flame retardants,
ceramics, glass, batteries, fireworks,
and explosives

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 Arsenic Enters environment from natural Causes acute and chronic
processes, industrial activities, toxicity, liver and kidney,
pesticides, and industrial, waste damage, decreases blood
smelting of copper lead. and zinc hemoglobin. A carcinogen.
. ore
Barium Occurs naturally in some Can cause a variety of cardiac,
limestones, sandstones, and soils in gastrointestinal,
. the eastern United State and neuromuscular effects.

Fluoride Occurs naturally or as an additive to Decreases incidence of tooth

municipal water supplies; widely decay but high levels can stain
used in industry. or mottle teeth Causes crippling
bones
Other inorganic contaminants include: Zinc, Silver, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead,
Mercury, Nickel, Tin, Copper, Iron, and Manganese.
ORGANIC CONTAMINANTS
The term organic implies that these contaminants are carbon-based, which usually means
that they are derived from petroleum. As such, the term should not be conflated with
organic as in natural excretion from living organisms. New Science doesn’t distinguish
between the two types and they must be treated differently as the synthetic form is
inherently toxic to the environment. Because they are carbon-based, they can easily bind
with human tissue, making them extremely toxic even in small fractions. Contaminants
include:
Contaminants Sources To Water Potential health and other effects
Volatile Enter environment when used to Can cause cancer and liver
organic make plastics, dyes, rubbers, damage, anemia, gastrointestinal
compounds polishes, solvents, crude oil, disorder, skin irritation, blurred
insecticides, inks, varnishes, vision, exhaustion, weight loss,
paints, disinfectants, and many damage to the nervous system,
more and respiratory tract irritation
Pesticides Enter environment as herbicides, Cause poisoning, headaches,
fungicides, insecticides, and dizziness, gastronomical-
algaecides disturbance, numbness, weakness,
and cancer. Destroys nervous
system, thyroid, reproductive
system, liver, and kidneys.

Plasticizers, Used as sealants, linings, solvents, Cause cancer. Damages nervous

chlorinated pesticides, and reproductive systems, kidney,
solvents, plasticizers, components of stomach, and liver.
gasoline, disinfectant, and wood
preservative,
Enters the environment from
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 improper waste disposal, leaching
runoff,
leaking storage tank, and
industrial runoff,

BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS
The most common and widespread danger associated with drinking water is
contamination, either directly or indirectly, by sewage, by other wastes, or by human or
animal excrement. If such contamination is recent, and if among the contributors there
are carriers of communicable enteric diseases, some of the living causal agents may be
present. The drinking of water so contaminated or its use in the preparation of certain
foods may result in further cases of infection. Natural and treated waters vary in
microbiological quality. Ideally, drinking water should not contain any microorganisms
known to be pathogenic to man.
Organism Disease Effects seen
Bacteria
Escherichia coli Gastroenteritis Diarrhea
Vibrio cholera Cholera Extremely heavy diarrhea,
dehydration
Yersinia enterocolitica Yersinosis Diarrhea
Shigella Shigellosis Bacillary dysentery
Viruses
Hepatitis A Infectious hepatitis Jaundice, fever
Norwalk agent Gastroenteritis Vomiting
Adenovirus Respiratory disease Respiratory problems
Reovirus Gastroenteritis Vomiting
Rotavirus Gastroenteritis Vomiting
Enteroviruses Gastroenteritis, heart Vomiting
anomalies, meningitis
Protozoa
Balantidium coli Balantidiasis Diarrhea, dysentery
Cryptosporidium Cryptosporidiosis Diarrhea
Entamoeba histolytica Amoebic dysentery Prolonged diarrhea with bleeding

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 Giardia lamblia Giardiasis Mild to severe diarrhea, nausea

REGIONS WITH MAJOR WATER PURITY THREATS

Threat Principle Affected Region
Arsenic Bangladesh, Eastern India, Nepal, Taiwan
Heavy metals United States, Eastern Europe
Salts Coastal China and India, Gulf coasts of
Mexico and Florida, Australia Philippines
Pesticides United States, Eastern Europe, China, India
Petro-chemicals United States, United Kingdom, parts of
former Soviet Union, Middle Eastern Asia

Percentage of population using unimproved drinking water sources (The Guardian, 2017)

WATER PURIFICATION
Now that various ways of water pollution and degradations are mentioned the importance
of water purification becomes clear, without purification of water we may be exposed to
various water borne diseases. Improving water quality provides social and economic
benefits both to developed and developing countries. Adequate water purification
approaches could bring lower costs, a safer environment, and industry and also a huge
benefit for human health. The increasing demand for pure water, coupled with decreasing
number of sources of unpolluted water, has led to a very rapid advance in the methods of
water purification. This advancement tins been clue to the joint work of the chemist,,

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engineer, physicist, bacteriologist, and biologist, and each has contributed his quota,
which today makes it possible to turn a tap and obtain a plentiful supply of clear, pure,
and wholesome water. Thus, various methods of water purification have been developed
with advancement in technology. And various methods of water purification have been
discussed in this report.

OBJECTIVES OF STUDY
1. To understand the importance of water in human life
2. To understand and learn about various water contaminants
3. To take a holistic approach for water purification
4. To understand the various methods of purification of water
5. To review and evaluate existing technologies
6. To understand and assess the need of further development on water purification
technologies

METHODS OF STUDY
For the accomplishment of this project report, I went through numerous informative
websites. I accessed various documents about the topic and went through them. Through
the internet I accessed various scientific papers published in the past to gain required
information and went through various e-books to gain qualitative and reliable
information.
I also used related books for required information. The qualitative data were all collected
through reliable websites. Through the research based reports available in the internet, I
collected necessary information which is illustrated in this project report. The pictures
used in the report are also all extracted from Internet.

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LITERATURE REVIEW
Various water treatment methods have been developed over the centuries. Early evidence
of distillation was found on Akkadian tablets dated c. 1200 BCE describing its
operations. Chlorination was formally proposed in 1894, water chlorination began in
1905. Ozone was first used in water treatment in the late 1800s. Membrane technologies
emerged in 1960s. UV disinfection started being used commercially since 1960.
In 1936 A. H. WADDINGTON published a research paper “The purification of water for
drinking” in the Journal of the Society of Chemical Industry. There he mentioned the
need and requirements of purifying water and also discussed about various methods of
commercial water purification along with their results.
In 1999 J.L. Bersillon published his research paper “Water Purification and Disinfection
Processes” discussing chlorination and membrane technologies, he also discussed the
various human health effects, drawbacks of the purification methods.
In the paper titled “Water purification” by Sir Alexander Houston, various microbes
infesting the waters were discussed along with their effect on the water and human
health. Furthermore, description and working mechanisms of various water purification
plants through England was discussed in the paper.
In a book titled “Sustainable Water Purification” by M. R. Islam, M. Safiur Rahman was
published in 2020 where the current methods of water purification was discussed along
with their sustainability, further ways for more sustainable ways of water purification
were also discussed.
In a report titled “Review of the Desalination and Water Purification Technology
Roadmap” published by the Committee to Review the Desalination and Water
Purification Technology Roadmap membrane technologies and thermal technologies
were discussed along with their expenses and their commercial uses.

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In the 9th volume of the series Nanotechnology in the agri-food industry titled
“Water Purification” authored by Grumezescu and Alexandru Mihai, the various up and
coming nanotechnologies related to water purification are discussed along with the
existing technologies used for water purification

RESULT & DISCUSSIONS

1) PHYSICAL METHODS
The purity of water is increased by exposing water to rigorous purification processes,
which invariably use one or more of the following techniques

1.2) Distillation: The process of conversion of liquid into vapor by heating and
condensing the vapor back into liquid is called distillation. This method is effective by
the scientific fact that water has a lower boiling point than other contaminants and
disease-causing elements found in water. Water is subjected to a heat source until it
attains its boiling point. It is then left at the boiling point until it vaporizes. This vapor is
directed into a condenser to cool. Upon cooling, vapor is reversed into liquid water that is
clean and safe for drinking.

Advantage: This method can get rid of almost 99.5% of the impurities that include
nitrates, bacteria, dissolved solids, lead, sodium, and most organic compounds.
Disadvantage:
 Distillation is a slow process

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  Distillation requires large amounts of energy and water, and therefore is
expensive to operate.
 Contaminants with boiling point lower than 100 °C aren’t purified with this
method, these contaminants will transfer to the distillate
1.1) Sedimentation & Decantation: Sedimentation and decantation methods are used
for the separation of insoluble substances which are heavier than liquid. In the
sedimentation process, heavier components of the mixture settle on the bottom,
due to gravity. Decantation follows sedimentation. The decantation process
involves pouring clear, upper liquid out of the container, without disturbing the
sediment.

Advantages:
 It makes any subsequent water treat processes easier.
 Low cost
Disadvantage: It can only separate insoluble contaminants soluble contaminants and
microbes still infest the water

2) CHEMICAL METHOD
2.1) Chlorination: Chlorination is the process of adding chlorine to drinking water to kill
parasites, bacteria, and viruses. Different processes can be used to achieve safe levels of
chlorine in drinking water. Using or drinking water with small amounts of chlorine does
not cause harmful health effects and provides protection against waterborne disease
outbreaks. Chlorine inactivates a microorganism by damaging its cell membrane. Once
the cell membrane is weakened, the chlorine can enter the cell and disrupt cell respiration

Fig: Chlorination
Advantages

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  Chlorine is a powerful oxidizing agent thereby getting rid of a lot of
bacteria in water.
 Chlorine is commercially available
 Chlorine is very economical
Disadvantages
 Chlorine does not exterminate all bacteria.
 Chlorine is not green. It is harmful to the environment
 Super-chlorination poses danger to humans over a period of time

2.2) Ozonation: Ozone water treatment is a water treatment method that reduces
contaminants through ozone’s oxidative strength. Ozone is an oxidant, which means it
reacts with other substances and accepts their electrons. Ozone oxidizes organic material
in the membranes of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. This weakens, ruptures, and kills
their cells, eliminating the troublesome contaminants. Ozone also oxidizes iron,
manganese, and copper into solid particles that can be easily filtered from water. In
ozonation process, ozone gas is produced commercially onsite using an ozone generator.
Ozone is then passed through the water tank where it oxidizes the water contaminants.
Metal impurities which can exist in solution in more than one valence state generally can
be oxidized to their higher (or highest) state by means of ozone.
Example: Iron (II) is quantitatively oxidized to Iron (III), which then hydrolyzes to
produce the easily flocculated Fe(OH) 3, and which can then be readily separated from
solution: O- + Fe2+ + H2O→O2 + Fe3+ + 2OH-
Advantages
 It adds no chemicals to water
 It can react with a wider range of viruses, bacteria, and protozoan compared to
chlorination.
 Ozonation produces no harmful residues or disinfection byproducts
Disadvantages
 Some of the germs and especially those that can form cysts may survive
 ozone is not an economical option for wastewater with very high amounts of
suspended solids
 Ozone is more challenging to produce and deliver

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 FIG: Ozonation

3) BIOLOGICAL METHOD
3.1) Sulfate Reducing Bacteria: Domestic and industrial wastewaters contain several
species of sulfur compounds they are Sulfate (SO 4−2 ) Bisulfate (HSO4−1 ) Sulfur (S−2 )
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S ) Hydrosulfide (HS−1 ) SRB are responsible for the production of
sulfides under anaerobic conditions. They utilize sulfates as their terminal electron
accepter. The reaction followed by SRB is: SO4-2 + 8e-1 → S-2 +4O-2
Sulfide ion produced would be available to react with any metals present in the feed to
form stable metal precipitates as expressed by the following reaction: S -2 + M+2 → nMS
where M+2s is any divalent metal ion

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 Fig: Biological waste water treatment process using sulfate reducing bacteria.
Advantages Disadvantages
Minimal sludge production It forms metal precipitate which needs to be
removed
Reduction of potential pathogens presence SRB require specific environmental
condition to thrive and for optimum sulfate
removal
Removal of heavy metals and SRB can cause the water to have a rotten
egg smell

4) MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGIES
Membrane technology is a generic term for a number of different, very characteristic
separation processes. These processes are of the same kind, because in each of them a
membrane is used. Membranes are used more and more often for the creation of process
water from groundwater, surface water or wastewater. Membrane separation is a family
of filtration processes in which feed water is forced through membrane at high pressure to
separate specific materials from the solution. Membrane configurations are used to
separate particles ranging from approximately 10 µm and smaller. These processes,
classified according to membrane pore size, include:

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4.1) Micro Filtration: Microfiltration usually serves as a pre-treatment for other
separation processes such as ultra filtration. The filters used in the microfiltration process
are specially designed to prevent particles such as, sediment, algae, protozoa or large
bacteria from passing through it. These membranes operate via a sieving mechanism.
Microfiltration typically requires less than 2 bar pressure for the membrane separation
process.
Other Applications of Micro Filtration:
 In the water treatment plant, it is used to separate pathogens such as the protozoa.
 In industries, it is used for the cold sterilization of beverages and pharmaceuticals.
It basically eliminates bacteria and other undesired suspensions from liquids such
as juice, wine, and beer in particular.
 It is also used for petroleum refining. It removes particulates from flue gases.
 In the dairy industry, it is used to remove bacteria and the associated spores from
milk.

Fig: Inside of Microfiltration Membrane Fig: Microfiltration water treatment facility

4.2) Ultra filtration: UF is a variety of membrane filtration in which forces like pressure
or concentration gradients lead to a separation through a semi permeable membrane.
Solids and solutes of high molecular weight are retained in the so-called retentate, while
water and low molecular weight solutes pass through the membrane in the permeate
(filtrate). These are used for removal of color; higher weight dissolved organic
compounds, bacteria, and some viruses. Ultra filtration membranes have a pore size
between 100 and 2 nm and require 1 to 10 bar pressure to operate.
Other Applications of Ultra Filtration:
 UF is used for the production of potable water. It removes the particulates and
macromolecules from raw water.

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  In dairy industries, it is used for the production of Protein concentration
 Used in the production of Cheese.
 It helps in the removal of bacteria from the milk.
 It is also used in wastewater treatment plants.
 Used for the clarification and concentration of Fruit juice.
 In medical laboratories used for Dialysis and other blood treatments.

Fig: Inside of a Ultra filtration membrane

Fig: Ultra filtration water treatment facility

4.3) Nano-filtration: Nano-filtration is a membrane filtration-based method that uses
nanometer sized through-pores that pass through the membrane. These synthetic
membranes are meant to have an opening ranging from 1-10 nanometers. These
membranes are used for water softening (removing primarily divalent cations), organics
and sulfate removal, and some removal of viruses. Nano-filtration is achieved with
membranes with pore sizes from 2 to 1 nm requiring 3 to 20 bar pressure
Other Applications of Nano Filtration:
 It is used to remove tar components in feed
 In Bulk Chemistry, it is used to polish the Product
 In the Medicine industries, it is used to extract the amino acids and lipids from
blood and other cell culture.

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  Used for water treatment
 Used to remove sulfate found in seawater

Fig: Nano-filtration membrane Fig: Schematic diagram for Nano-filtration

Fig: Nano filtration unit in water treatment plant.

4.4) Reverse Osmosis: Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that uses a
partially permeable membrane to remove ions, unwanted molecules and larger particles
from drinking water. In reverse osmosis, an applied pressure is used to overcome osmotic
pressure. Reverse osmosis can remove many types of dissolved and suspended chemical
species as well as biological ones from water, and is used in both industrial processes and
the production of potable water. Around the world, household drinking water purification
systems, including a reverse osmosis step, are commonly used for improving water for
drinking and cooking. Because of the low porosity of these membranes, RO requires high
pressures (typically up to 80 bar) to function.
Other Applications of Reverse Osmosis
 In households, it is used in drinking water purification systems.

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  It is also used in solar-powered desalination unit to produce potable water from
saline water.
 It is also used to purify the rainwater which is collected from storm drains.
 In power plants, it is used to remove minerals from boiler water.
 RO also used to produce de-ionized water.
 In food industries, it is also used for the desalination of different products..
 Use for the production of Low alcoholic beer.
 Used in small-scale hydrogen production. It prevents the formation of mineral
deposits on the surface of electrodes.

Fig: Reverse osmosis membrane purification system

Factors that affect the performance of membrane filtration

There are several factors that can affect the performance of membrane filtration,
including:
1. Feed water quality: The presence of suspended solids, dissolved solids, and other
contaminants in the feed water can affect the performance of the membrane.
2. Temperature: Higher temperatures can increase the flux (flow rate) of the
membrane, but can also increase the risk of membrane fouling.
3. Pressure: The applied pressure can affect the flux of the membrane. Higher
pressures can increase the flux, but can also increase the risk of membrane
damage.

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 4. Membrane properties: The properties of the membrane, such as pore size,
porosity, and surface charge, can affect the performance of the membrane.
5. Membrane age: As a membrane ages, its performance can decline. Regular
cleaning and replacement of the membrane can help to maintain performance.
6. Cross-flow velocity: High cross-flow velocity can help to prevent fouling of the
membrane, but can also increase the energy consumption.
7. pH: The pH of the feed water can affect the performance of the membrane. Most
membranes work best within a neutral pH range.

Fig: Membrane separation processes in water treatment plant

Advantages of Membrane Technology

 Membrane technologies can be used for desalination of both seawater and
brackish water
 Compared to thermal distillation processes, membrane technologies generally
have lower capital costs and require less energy
 Lower installment cost
 Membrane technology can remove microorganisms and many organic
contaminants from feed water. Range:

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Disadvantages of Membrane Technology
 Requirement of various types of membranes to obtain quality water
 Slow filtration
 Membrane fouling occur regularly leading to stoppages is purification
 Maintenance cost is high
 Turbid water cannot be purified using this method

5) THERMAL TECHNOLOGIES
Approximately one-half of the world’s installed desalination capacity uses a thermal
distillation process to produce fresh water from seawater. Three thermal processes
represent the majority of the thermal desalination technologies in use today.
5.1) Multi-Stage Flash Distillation: MSF uses a series of chambers, each with
successively lower temperature and pressure, to rapidly vaporize (or “flash”) water from
bulk liquid brine. The vapor is then condensed by tubes of the inflowing feed water,
thereby recovering energy from the heat of condensation. Despite its large energy

21
requirements, MSF is among the most commonly employed desalination technologies.
MSF is a reliable technology capable of very large production capacities per unit.

5.2) Multi-Effect Distillation: MED is a thin-film evaporation approach, where the

vapor produced by one chamber subsequently condenses in the next chamber, which
exists at a lower temperature and pressure, providing additional heat for vaporization.
MED technology is being used with increasing frequency when thermal evaporation is
preferred or required, due to its lower power consumption compared to MSF.

5.3) Vapor Compression: VC is an evaporative process where vapor from the

evaporator is mechanically compressed and its heat used for subsequent evaporation of
feed water. VC units tend to be used where cooling water and low-cost steam are not
readily available.

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Other thermal technologies include:
Solar Distillation: Solar distillation uses the sun’s energy to evaporate water from a
shallow basin, which then condenses along a sloping glass roof
Freezing: Freezing technologies use ice formation under controlled conditions in the
source water, initially eliminating salt from the ice crystals and allowing the brine to be
rinsed away.
Advantages of Thermal Technologies:
 Thermal desalination processes have the ability to use low-grade energy or
“waste” heat rather than a primary energy source
 Low cost operation
Disadvantages of Thermal Technologies:
 Water production in thermal plants is often limited
 Most thermal seawater desalination processes require large amounts of cooling
water and have significantly greater seawater intake flow rates than comparably
sized membrane systems increasing the pumping cost

6) UV RADIATION
Ultraviolet (UV) systems have been designed to disinfect drinking water, wastewater
effluent, wastewater effluent for water reuse. During its history, the implementation of
UV disinfection systems has been impacted by numerous advancements in the
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technology. These advancements have made it possible to apply UV disinfection over a
wide range of conditions and resulted in rapid growth in the use of UV systems
throughout the world. UV plants consist of UV lamps installed in a defined arrangement.
The water to be treated passes evenly through the housing. Basic requirement for an
effective destruction or deactivation of microorganism is an evenly strong UV radiation
through the water within the UV plant. This requires a largely particle free, clear filtered
water. UV water purification is the most effective method for disinfecting bacteria from
the water. UV rays penetrate harmful pathogens in your home’s water and destroy illness-
causing microorganisms by attacking their genetic core. This is extremely efficient in
eliminating their ability to reproduce. UV systems destroy 99.99% of harmful
microorganisms without adding chemicals or changing your water’s taste or odor.
Advantages
 Chemical free
 Odor free
 Extremely effective as 99.9% of microbes are destroyed
 Low cost maintenance
 Requires extremely low energy

Disadvantage: It can only rid the water of microbes but heavy metal impurities still
remain

FIG: UV Disinfectant systems in water treatment plant

7) ION EXCHANGE
Ion exchange is a reversible chemical reaction wherein an ion (an atom or molecule that
has lost or gained an electron and thus acquired an electrical charge) from solution is
exchanged for a similarly charged ion attached to an immobile solid particle. These solid

24
ion exchange particles are synthetically produced organic resins. An organic ion
exchange resin can exchange their mobile ions for ions of similar charge from the
surrounding medium. Each resin has a distinct number of mobile ion sites that set the
maximum quantity of exchanges per unit of resin. In a water deionization process, the
resins exchange hydrogen ions (H+) for the positively charged ions (such as nickel,
copper, and sodium), and hydroxyl ions (OH - ) for negatively charged sulfates, chromates
and chlorides. Because the quantity of H and OH ions is balanced, the result of the ion
exchange treatment is relatively pure, neutral water.

FIG: Ion exchange used in water treatment processes.

Advantages:
 One of the most appropriate technologies to removes dissolved inorganic ions
effectively
 Possibility to regenerate resin
 Relatively inexpensive initial capital investment
Disadvantages:
 Does not remove effectively bacteria
 High operation costs over long-term

CONCLUSION

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SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEACRH
Water is consumed by all and its purity is a very sensitive topic. I recommend future
researchers to proceed with this topic with upmost care. Water purity concerns the health
26
of the general public, so it is vital that future researchers will contribute to the matter. The
methods mentioned in this report might not be economically feasible in various regions
so it is of upmost importance to research new methods of water purification that are
accessible to regions with weak economy.
The need of sustainable water purification is very high the current technologies are not
sustainable and are not economically feasible to regions of all class, so it is upon future
researchers to research the existing technologies of water purifications and modify them
to meet the sustainability criteria.
Local bodies are suggested to set up water purification plants with its efficiency,
sustainability and economic feasibility in mind. Both the government and the citizens
should hold accountability regarding the water purification plants as it facilitates all with
pure and healthy drinking water. Local bodies are also suggested to allocate budget for
research for water purification methods that best fit the region the local body governs
over. This will help in the development of better infrastructure for drinking water which
will aid the people.

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REFERENCES
[1] M. R. Islam, M. Safiur Rahman, Sustainable Water Purification, 2020
[2] A. H. WADDINGTON, The purification of water for drinking, 1936
[3] J.L. Bersillon, Water Purification and Disinfection Processes, 1999
[4] Committee to Review the Desalination and Water Purification Technology Roadmap,
Review of the Desalination and Water Purification Technology Roadmap, 2004
[5] Grumezescu, Alexandru Mihai, Water Purification, 2017
[6]www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/public/water_disinfection.html
[7] www.waterprofessional.com/learning-center/articles/commercial-water-purification-
systems/
[8] www.thewatertreatments.com/disinfection/chlorinators/
[9] microbiologynote.com/membrane-filtration-method-types-advantages-disadvantages-
applications/
[10] sswm.info/sswm-university-course/module-6-disaster-situations-planning-and-
preparedness/further-resources-0/ion-exchange
[11] www.freshwatersystems.com/blogs/blog/what-is-ozone-water-treatment-and-how-
does-it-work
[12]www.wikipedia.com
[13] www.bridgebiotechnology.com/chloramination-advantages-and-disadvantages/
[14] www.sciencing.com/what-chemicals-are-used-to-purify-drinking-water-
13418820.html
[15] www.intec-america.com/residential-water-treatment/ozonation/
[16] www.quora.com/What-are-the-advantages-and-drawbacks-of-the-chlorination-of-
water

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