What Are the Different Methods of Purifying Water?

What Are the Different Methods of Purifying Water
••• Andrey_Kuzmin/iStock/GettyImages

Purifying water is essential in making it drinkable. Water needs to be purified to eliminate parasites that cause amoebic dysentery and Giardia. There are several different methods used to purify water. Some are chemical methods and some are not; some are more effective than others are when purifying water.

Iodine

Using iodine-based methods to purify water is common. Such methods include iodine tablets, iodine solution and Polar Pure Water Disinfectant. When using iodine tablets, you must allow at least 30 minutes when trying to purify cold water and approximately 10 minutes if the water is hot. When using iodine solution, you must allow 30 minutes to purify cold water and 15 minutes for hot water. Polar Pure Water Disinfectant is a type of glass bottle that contains iodine crystals. All you have to do is fill up the bottle with water and follow the attached instructions because instructions vary by the manufacturer of the bottle.

Chlorine

Using chlorine-based methods to purify water is also quite common. Such methods include chlorine tablets and super-chlorination. Chlorine tablets will not kill Giardia alone so they must be used in conjunction with a fine filter. Super-chlorination is known to be effective and uses high doses of chlorine. After a high dose is used, it is later neutralized, using hydrogen peroxide.

Water Filters

Using a water filter to purify water is becoming increasingly popular in developed countries, such as the United States. These filters can be added to a sink faucet or to a specially designed water pitcher. All these filters are different and the instructions will differ, depending on the manufacturer.

Boiling

Boiling water is the easiest way to purify it. This method is effective in eliminating a good amount of parasites as well. When boiling water, it is important to let it come to a boil and then to boil for at least 10 to 15 minutes and to add an additional minute for every 300 meters you are above sea level. Some parasites take less than a minute to die during the boiling. Some--such as hepatitis A--take longer, so it is important to try to boil out all parasites.

Distillation

Distillation is a way to purify water. Most bottled water is purified by distillation. A variety of organic compounds and certain impurities, such as silica, carbon dioxide and ammonia, will still be present after distillation. During distillation, the water evaporates through being heated and then the condensed vapors are collected.

Related Articles

How to Reactivate a Desiccant
School Projects on Water Purification Treatments
Ozone Water Treatment Disadvantages
Effects of Lime & Alum on Water Purification
Isopropanol Alcohol Vs. Isopropyl Alcohol
How to Remove Chlorine From Water
Potassium Permanganate Water Treatment
Daycare Cleaning Checklist
What Is Anhydrous Methanol?
How to Make Bromine Water in the Chemistry Lab
How to Make a Supersaturated Solution of Copper-Sulfate
How to Extract Iodine From Potassium Iodide
Uses of Alum Crystals
How to Separate Alcohol From Water
How to Make Acetate From Vinegar
How to Sterilize Petri Dishes
Why Does Sugar Water Made for Hummingbirds Turn Cloudy?
How to Mix Ammonia with Glycerine
What Is the Purpose of Simple Distillation?

Dont Go!

We Have More Great Sciencing Articles!