waterpurification

Water purification refers to processes used to remove contaminants from water to make it safe for consumption and suitable for other uses. Purification can occur at the source, such as in municipal treatment plants, or at the point of use in homes and institutions.

Common purification methods include physical processes such as sedimentation and filtration to remove suspended solids, and chemical processes such as coagulation and disinfection. Activated carbon adsorption removes organic compounds and improves taste and odor.

Disinfection is central to most systems to inactivate or kill pathogens; methods include chlorination, ozone, and ultraviolet light. Desalination and distillation remove salts and nonvolatile contaminants; modern membranes using reverse osmosis or nanofiltration are widely used for drinking water and industrial water.

Water treatment at municipal scale typically consists of screening, coagulation, clarification, filtration, disinfection, and distribution. Some systems add fluoride for dental health. Storage tanks maintain residual disinfectant levels.

At point of use, household purifiers include activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis units, UV purifiers, and ceramic filters. Emergency purification methods include boiling or solar disinfection.

Quality and safety are governed by national and international standards. Key parameters include microbial indicators, turbidity, pH, hardness, dissolved minerals, and organic chemicals. Regulators and laboratories test water to meet guidelines such as WHO or local regulations.

Environmental and economic considerations include energy use, waste generation from filtration media, and brine from desalination. Access to safe water remains uneven, with efforts focusing on expanding infrastructure, affordability, and sustainable technologies.