| Water Treatment |
Water is the most important nutrient in our diets. A human adult requires approximately 2 liters of water every day to replenish the water that is lost from the body through the skin, respiratory tract and urine. Though the water in rivers, lakes and underground sources is fresh water, it can’t be used directly for drinking because water may contain many dissolved species like:
- ions (e.g., Na+, Ca2+, F-, and HSO4-)
- dissolved gases (e.g., O2 and CO2)
- other natural dissolved molecules (e.g., organic by-products of decaying leaves)
- dissolved molecules from human activity (e.g., industrial and agricultural wastes)
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In addition to the species that are dissolved in water, a number of particles may be found suspended in the water. Ex: bacteria, floating debris (e.g., twigs, bits of leaves, and trash), sand and dirt.
Drinking contaminated water causes many serious diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery and hepatitis. Water containing large amounts of industrial waste or agricultural chemicals (e.g., pesticides) can also be toxic and unfit for drinking. Water that is safe for drinking is said to be potable. Humans use clean water not only for drinking but also for other applications like cooking, cleaning, industry, agriculture and recreation.
Treatment of water describes a process used for the purification of contaminated water to make it useful for a desired use like drinking, industrial purpose, medicinal and agricultural purpose.
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