Table of Contents

Title Page……………………………...………………………………….……………i
Declaration……………………………………………………………………………ii
Subject Teacher’ recommendation…………………………………………………...iii
Endorsement……………………….…………………………………………………iv
Acknowledgements……………………………………………………………………v
Table of Contents……………….…………………………………………….……...vi
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………….

Water and its Characteristics…...…………...………………………………………...7

History Of Purification...………………………………………..…………………….9
CHPATER II: Methods of Purification…………….……………………………….
Filtration Method …...……...………………….…………………………………….10
Activate Carbon Method….….………………………………………………………11
Flocculation Method ……….……………………………..…………………………12
Chlorination………. ……….……………………………..…………………………13
UV Method ……………...………………………………..…………………………14
Bottle/Jar Water Purification Method….…………...……..…………………………15
CHAPTER III: SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION……………………………..
Suggestions.…………………………………...……………………………………..16
Conclusion…………………………….………..……………………………………17
BIBLIOGRAPHY………………………………..…………………………………..18

WATER AND ITS CHARACTERSTICS

Water is the chemical substance with chemical formula H2O, one molecule
of water has two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to a single oxygen
atom. Let us learn about the physical and chemical properties of water.
Properties of Water
A glance of earth taken from space will depict it blue. This blue colour is
actually water, the major part of the earth is covered with water. We need
water for almost everything, for example- drinking, bathing, cooking etc
and therefore we should know about the properties of water. 65 % human
body is composed of water. Water is essential for the survival of life on
earth. Water is distributed unevenly on the earth’s surface. It forms a major
solvent and dissolves almost every polar solute. So, let us have a look at its
properties and understand the reason for its significance:
Physical properties of water
Water is a colourless and tasteless liquid. The molecules of water have
extensive hydrogen bonds resulting in unusual properties in the condensed
form. This also leads to high melting and boiling points. As compared to
other liquids, water has a higher specific heat, thermal conductivity,
surface tension, dipole moment, etc. These properties form the reason for
its significance in the biosphere. Water is an excellent solvent and
therefore it helps in the transportation of ions and molecules required for
metabolism. It has a high latent heat of vaporization which helps in the
regulation of body temperature.
Chemical properties of water

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Water reacts with a lot of substances to form different compounds. Some
significant reactions are as follows:

1. Amphoteric nature:
Water can act as both acid and base, which
means that it is amphoteric in nature.
Example:
Acidic Behavior:

Basic Behavior:

2. Redox reactions:
Electropositive elements reduce water to hydrogen molecule. Thus, water
is a great source of hydrogen. Let us see an example in this case:

During the process of photosynthesis, water is oxidized to O2. As water

can be oxidized and reduced, it is very useful in redox reactions.
3. Hydrolysis reaction

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Water has a very strong hydrating tendency due to its dielectric constant. It
dissolves many ionic compounds. Some covalent and ionic compounds can
be hydrolyzed in water

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 HISTORY OF PURIFICATION
The earliest recorded attempts to find or
generate pure water date back to 2000 B.C.
Early Sanskrit writings outlined methods for
purifying water. These methods ranged from
boiling or placing hot metal instruments in
water before drinking it to filtering that
water through crude sand or charcoal filters
(Baker & Taras, 1981). These writings
suggest that the major motive in purifying Taken From:
https://www.freedrinkingwater.com/resource-history-
water was to provide better tasting drinking of-clean-drinking-water.htm

water. It was assumed that good tasting water was also clean. People did
not yet connect impure water with disease nor did they have the
technology necessary to recognize tasteless yet harmful organisms in
water. Centuries later, Hippocrates, the famed father of medicine, began to
conduct his own experiments in water purification. Hippocrates designed
his own crude water filter to “purify” the water he used for his patients.
Later known as the “Hippocratic sleeve”, this filter was a cloth bag
through which water could be poured after being boiled. The cloth would
trap any sediment in the water that were causing bad taste or smell.

Water filtration illustration, circa 500 BCE.

In the 1700's the first water filters for domestic application were applied.
These were made of wool, sponge and charcoal. In 1804 the first actual
municipal water treatment plant designed by Robert Thom, was built in
Scotland. The water treatment was based on slow sand filtration, and horse
and cart distributed the water. Some three years later, the first water pipes
were installed. The suggestion was made that every person should have
access to safe drinking water, but it would take somewhat longer before
this was actually brought to practice in most countries.

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 FILTRATION

The process of water filtration typically involves

several steps:
1. Pretreatment: The first step in the filtration
process is to pretreat the water to remove large
impurities, such as leaves and twigs, that could
clog the filter. This step is usually
accomplished by passing the water through a
screen or mesh to remove larger particles.
2. Coagulation and flocculation: In this step,
chemicals such as alum are added to the water to cause small impurities to
coagulate and form larger particles, known as Taken From:
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Sch
flocs. This makes it easier to remove the ematic-diagram-of-a-3-kalshi-pitcher-
setup-for-water-
impurities in the next step.
3. Sedimentation: The flocculated water is then allowed to settle, allowing the
heavier impurities to sink to the bottom and the clearer water to rise to the top.
This step is called sedimentation.
4. Filtration: The next step is to pass the water through a filter to remove any
remaining impurities. There are many types of filters used for water filtration,
including sand filters, gravel filters, and activated carbon filters. The type of
filter used will depend on the specific impurities that need to be removed from
the water.
5. Disinfection: Finally, the water is disinfected to kill any remaining bacteria or
viruses. This step is often accomplished by adding chlorine or another
disinfectant to the water.
It's important to note that the specific steps involved in water filtration can vary
depending on the source of the water and the specific impurities that need to be
removed. In some cases, additional steps, such as ozonation or reverse
osmosis, may be necessary to achieve the desired level of water purity.
What is Ozonation?
Ozonation is a process of water treatment that involves the addition of ozone gas to
water to kill harmful microorganisms and reduce the levels of various contaminants.
Ozone is a highly reactive form of oxygen that is able to oxidize and destroy a wide
range of impurities in water, including bacteria, viruses, and chemicals.
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 ACTIVATED CARBON
Activated carbon is a commonly used
method for purifying water. It works by
removing impurities and contaminants
from water through a process called
adsorption.
In activated carbon filtration, water is
passed through a bed of activated
carbon, which is a highly porous form Taken From:
https://extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/WQ/WQ-13.html
of carbon with a large surface area. The
activated carbon acts as a magnet for impurities, attracting and retaining
them on its surface through a process called adsorption.
Activated carbon is effective at removing a wide range of contaminants
from water, including chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs),
pesticides, and heavy metals. It is also effective at reducing the levels of
unpleasant odors and tastes in water.
Activated carbon filtration is often used in combination with other forms
of water treatment, such as sedimentation and filtration, to provide a
comprehensive solution for water purification. It is commonly used in
homes, industries, and municipal water treatment facilities.
It's important to note that while activated carbon is an effective method
for treating water, it has its limitations. For example, it is not effective at
removing dissolved salts and minerals, and it can become saturated with
impurities over time, requiring frequent replacement of the carbon bed. As
a result, activated carbon filtration is not always the best choice for water
treatment, and it is important to carefully consider the specific needs of
each situation before choosing a water treatment method.

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 FLOCCULATION
Flocculation is a process of water treatment that involves the addition of
chemicals, known as flocculants, to water to cause impurities to clump
together, or "flocculate," into larger particles that can be more easily
removed from the water.
The flocculants work by
neutralizing the electrical
charges of the impurities in the
water, causing them to come
together and form larger,
heavier particles. These
Taken From: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/The-coagulation-
particles can then be removed
flocculation-unit-process_fig2_222572544 from the water through
sedimentation or filtration.
Flocculation is often used in combination with other forms of water
treatment, such as sedimentation and filtration, to provide a comprehensive
solution for water purification. It is commonly used in municipal water
treatment facilities and industrial applications, where it is important to
remove suspended solids from the water.
Flocculation is particularly effective at removing fine particles and
turbidity from water, making it an important step in the treatment of
drinking water and wastewater.
It's important to note that while flocculation is an effective method for
treating water, it can also have some drawbacks. For example, it requires
the addition of chemicals, which can increase the cost and complexity of
the water treatment process. Additionally, the flocculants can sometimes
produce by-products that are harmful to the environment or human health.
As a result, flocculation is not always the best choice for water treatment,
and it is important to carefully consider the specific needs of each situation
before choosing a water treatment method.
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 CHLORINATION

Taken From: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Schematic-diagram-of-the-water-treatment-process-of-the-selected-small-rural-

waterworks_fig6_26473779

Chlorination is a process of adding chlorine or hydrogen chloride (HCl) to

water, or other substances, to kill bacteria, viruses, and other harmful
pathogens. This process is widely used in water treatment plants to purify
drinking water and to maintain hygiene in swimming pools and hot tubs.
In drinking water treatment, chlorination is often used in combination with
other treatment methods, such as filtration, to ensure that the water is safe
for consumption. In addition to killing pathogens, chlorination can also
help to remove unpleasant tastes, odors, and colors from water.
While chlorination is an effective and widely used method for water
treatment, it is important to use it correctly. Over-chlorination or the use of
certain forms of chlorine can result in the formation of harmful by-
products, such as trihalomethanes (THMs), which can be potentially
carcinogenic. Therefore, it is important to carefully monitor and control
the amount of chlorine added to water to ensure its safety for consumption.

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 UV PURIFICATION

UV water purification is a
method of water treatment that
uses ultraviolet (UV) light to
kill bacteria, viruses, and other
pathogens present in water. In
this process, water is passed
through a UV sterilization
chamber, where it is exposed to
Taken From: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Schematic-diagram-
of-the-ozone-UV-system_fig1_6500696 UV light with a wavelength of
253.7 nm. This wavelength of light is effective at destroying the DNA of
bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, rendering them unable to reproduce
and cause harm.
UV water purification is an effective and environmentally friendly
alternative to traditional chemical disinfection methods, such as
chlorination. Unlike chemical disinfectants, UV light does not leave any
residuals in the water that could be harmful to human health.
UV water purification systems are commonly used in residential and
industrial settings for drinking water treatment, swimming pool and hot
tub treatment, and for treatment of water used in food and beverage
processing.
It is important to note that UV water purification is most effective when
used in combination with other water treatment methods, such as filtration,
to ensure that the water is free of particles and sediment that could absorb
or block the UV light and reduce its effectiveness. Additionally, the UV
lamp in the sterilization chamber should be regularly replaced to ensure
that it continues to produce enough UV light to effectively purify the
water.

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 REVERSE OSMOSIS
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water
purification technology that uses
a semi-permeable membrane to
remove impurities from water. In
this process, water is forced
through the membrane under
pressure, leaving behind
impurities such as salts, minerals,
and other contaminants.
RO systems typically consist of several stages, including a sediment filter,
carbon filter, and the RO membrane. The sediment filter removes larger
particles, such as sediment and sand, while the carbon filter removes
chlorine and other organic compounds that can affect the performance of
the RO membrane. The RO membrane is the heart of the system, and is
responsible for removing smaller particles, such as ions and molecules, to
produce pure water.
RO systems are commonly used in residential and industrial settings for
drinking water treatment, as well as in applications such as desalination of
seawater, purification of water for food and beverage processing, and
purification of water for laboratory use.
It is important to note that RO systems can remove important minerals and
other essential substances from water, and therefore, it is sometimes
necessary to add these back into the water to maintain its mineral balance.
Additionally, RO systems require a significant amount of water and energy
to operate, which can make them less suitable for certain applications,
such as large-scale water treatment. Overall, RO is an effective and
reliable method for purifying water, but it is important to carefully
consider its benefits and limitations for each specific application.

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 SUGGESTION
Here are several methods for purifying water from different sources:
1. Municipal water supply: Water from a municipal water supply is
typically treated with chlorine or chloramine to kill off bacteria and
other microorganisms. If you are concerned about the taste or
potential health effects of these chemicals, you can install a carbon
filtration system in your home.
2. Well water: Well water may contain various contaminants, such as
bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and pesticides. In these cases, it is
recommended to have the water tested and to use a multi-stage
filtration system that includes sediment, activated carbon, and
reverse osmosis filters.
3. Surface water (e.g. lakes, rivers, streams): Surface water can contain
a variety of pollutants and microorganisms, and should be treated
before drinking. A combination of filtration, chemical treatment (e.g.
with iodine or chlorine), and boiling can effectively purify surface
water.
4. Rainwater: While rainwater is generally safe to drink, it can still
contain pollutants from the atmosphere or from the catchment
surface. Filtering rainwater through a fine mesh screen or sediment
filter, and then treating it with ultraviolet light or chemical
disinfectants can ensure its safety.
It's important to note that these methods may not completely eliminate all
contaminants, and the specific method used should be based on the quality
and source of the water, as well as local regulations and guidelines.

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 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, water purification is an essential step in ensuring that the

water we drink and use is free from harmful contaminants. There are
various methods for purifying water, including boiling, filtration, chemical
treatment, and ultraviolet light treatment, among others. The most
appropriate method for purifying water depends on the source and quality
of the water, as well as local regulations and guidelines. For example, well
water may contain contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, heavy metals,
and pesticides, and a multi-stage filtration system may be necessary to
ensure its safety. On the other hand, water from a municipal water supply
is typically treated with chlorine or chloramine to kill off bacteria and
other microorganisms, but if there are concerns about the taste or potential
health effects, a carbon filtration system can be installed in the home.
It is important to regularly test water for contaminants and to use a multi-
stage filtration system to ensure that the water is free from harmful
substances. By taking these steps, we can ensure that the water we drink
and use is safe and healthy for consumption. Additionally, by purifying
water, we can reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses, which can have
serious health consequences, especially for vulnerable populations such as
children, elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
In summary, water purification is a crucial aspect of ensuring access to
safe and clean drinking water. By utilizing appropriate methods and
technologies, we can ensure that the water we drink is safe and free from
harmful contaminants.

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 Bibliography

1. Dreamland Pioneer Chemistry by

- Akkal Dev Mishra
- Surya Kant Kalauni
- Ram Dutta Joshi
- Khadka Bahadur Pal
- Anil Pandey

2. Integrated Chemistry by
- Prof. Dr. Paras Nath Yadav
- Upendra Chaudary
- Sundar Hamal
- Deepak Wagle
- Prakash Poudel

3. Rectified Chemistry by
- Prof. Dr. Tulsi Prasad Pathak
- Rajendra Bahadur G.C
- Shiva Pandeya
- Kabindra Subedi
- Netra Prasad Bhusal
Byjus: https://byjus.com/chemistry/physical-and-chemical-properties-of-water

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