Water Filters
Water filters are the devices, which removes impurities and unwanted
particles from water by means of either physical processes, chemical
processes and/or biological process. Water filters are used to cleanse water
for drinking purpose, irrigation, swimming pools, aquariums, etc. They are
mainly used for softening water by removing some chemicals, like chlorine.
The unwanted chemicals and other contaminants found in unfiltered drinking
water can be harmful to health.
Types of Water Filters
Need of Water Filtration Systems
Water is the most important compound found in nature, for all living
creatures, be it human beings, animals, birds or insects. It is essential
for all of them to live and survive. Water found from natural resources,
like wells, pumps, rivers, and lakes are not fit for drinking or cooking
purposes. Water at these places are infected by a lot of microbes as well as
contaminated by a number of impurities. After becoming so much contaminated,
it almost become poison. Since it is needed by everyone, its continuous use
can have adverse effects on the health of a person, leading to some
incurable and dangerous diseases. Therefore, before using the water, it must
be filtered by any of the filtration systems available in the market. You
must know the type of impurities and contaminants found in the water and
their adverse effects on your health.
- Microorganisms
- Disinfectants
- Disinfection Byproducts
- Inorganic Chemicals
- Organic Chemicals
- Radio-nuclides
| Contaminants |
Health
Effects |
Sources |
Most Effective
Purification Technology |
| Arsenic |
Skin damage, problem in
circulatory system |
Erosion of natural
deposits; runoff from orchards, glass & electronics production
wastes |
Reverse Osmosis |
| Asbestos |
Increased risk of
developing benign intestinal polyps |
Erosion of natural
deposits, Decay of asbestos cement in water |
Reverse Osmosis
Activated Carbon |
| Cadmium |
Kidney Damage |
Discharge from metal
refineries; Corrosion of galvanized pipes; Erosion of natural deposits.
|
Reverse Osmosis |
| Chromium |
Allergic Dermatitis
|
Erosion of natural
deposits; Discharge from steel and pulp mills. |
Reverse Osmosis |
| Lead |
Delays in physical or
mental development of children and infants; Kidney and high blood
pressure problems with adults |
Erosion of natural
deposits; Corrosion of household plumbing systems |
|
| Giardia Lamblia |
Gastrointestinal
illness, like diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, etc. |
Animal and human fecal
waste |
Reverse Osmosis, Carbon
Block (0.5 micron) |
| Viruses |
Various Illnesses |
Human and animal waste;
Septic fields, sewage, farming |
Ultraviolet |
| Bacteria / Coliform |
Various Illnesses |
Animal & human
waste, septic fields, sewage, farming |
Ultraviolet |
| E.Coli |
Gastrointestinal
Disorders (often severe) |
Naturally occurring,
human or animal wastes |
Ultraviolet |
| Chlorine |
Irritation in eyes/nose;
Stomach discomfort |
Water additive used to
control microbes |
Activated Carbon |
| Benzene |
Decrease in blood
platelets; Anemia; Increased risk of cancer |
Leakage from gas storage
tanks and landfills; Discharge from factories. |
|
| Carbon-tetra Chloride |
Liver troubles;
Increased risk of cancer |
Discharge from chemical
plants and other industries |
|
Water Filtration Technology
Water filters are essential for removing the contaminants from water and
make it useful for drinking and cooking. The number of impurities and
contaminants found in the water from natural resources are so high that it
is not possible for a single water filtration technology to remove all the
contaminants. Many technologies target only one or two types of contaminants
and they are totally ineffective against others. For example, carbon water
filters effectively remove chlorine. Bad taste and odors, but ineffective
for removing bacteria and viruses. Similarly, ultraviolet filters are
effectively remove bacteria and viruses, but prove ineffective for other
contaminants. Typically, the more sophisticated filters, like reverse
osmosis, use a combination of filter technologies to achieve overall best
results.
Applications of Water Filters
Water filters are used and applied in different types of industries. Some
important of them are:
- Bottling Manufacture
- Laboratories
- Hospitals and Patholabs
- Swimming Pools
- Aquariums & Hatcheries
- Pharmaceutical & Cosmetics Industries
- Food Industries
