"Water is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula H₂O. It is a transparent, tasteless, odorless, and nearly colorless chemical substance, which is the main constituent of Earth's hydrosphere and the fluids of all known living organisms.
Reverse Osmosis technology is a cost-effective method of purifying water in laboratories. This technique discards most of the impurities from the tap water to produce pure water. The reverse osmosis technique is based on the RO membranes that work in eliminating organic contents up to a high degree.
Water quality describes the condition of the water, including chemical, physical, and biological characteristics, usually with respect to its suitability for a particular purpose such as drinking or swimming.
Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies, usually as a result of human activities, so that it negatively affects its uses. Water bodies include lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers, reservoirs and groundwater. Water pollution results when contaminants mix with these water bodies
Water quality is measured by several factors, such as the concentration of dissolved oxygen, bacteria levels, the amount of salt (or salinity), or the amount of material suspended in the water (turbidity). In some bodies of water, the concentration of microscopic algae and quantities of pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and other contaminants may also be measured to determine water quality.
Although scientific measurements are used to define water quality, it is not a simple thing to say “that water is good” or “that water is bad.” So, the determination is typically made relative to the purpose of the water – is it for drinking or to wash a car with or for some other purpose?
Poor water quality can pose a health risk for people. Poor water quality can also pose a health risk for ecosystems
Global water treatment product manufacturers are exploring state-of-the-art water filtration technologies such as carbon nanotubes and advanced membrane systems to better serve Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology involves several approaches and processes of applying materials on the atomic or molecular scale. Nanotech-based water purification processes are considered to be modular, highly efficient and cost-effective when compared to conventional water purification methods.
The major applications of nanotechnology in water treatment processes include silver, copper and zero-valent iron (ZVI) nanoparticles, nanostructured photocatalysts, Nano-membranes, and Nano adsorbents.
The large surface-to-volume ratio of nanoparticles enhances the adsorption of chemical and biological particles, while enabling the separation of contaminants at very low concentrations. Nano adsorbents feature specific physical and chemical properties for the removal of metallic pollutants from water.
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are considered to be one of the prominent nanomaterials used in water purification. CNT-based filtration systems can remove organic, inorganic and biological compounds from water.
Global companies such as Alfa Laval, Applied Membranes and Koch Membrane Systems are involved in the development of membranes that are made of nanomaterials to eliminate pollutants during the treatment.
Acoustic nanotube technology
The acoustic nanotube technology was invented by scientists at Nasa’s Johnson Space Center. It employs acoustics in place of pressure to direct water through small-diameter carbon nanotubes.
The technology is based on an acoustically driven molecular screen integrated with carbon nanotubes that allow the passage of water molecules while blocking any larger molecules and contaminants. It consumes less power than traditional filtration systems and drives water away from contaminants instead of removing pollutants from water. The process also eliminates the need for flushing the filter system.
The primary applications of acoustic nanotube technology are municipal water plants, medical facilities, laboratories, distilleries, desalination plants, industrial facilities, wastewater treatment plants, and consumer segment. The innovation is scalable with the integration of multiple filters, according to the filtration needs of users.
Nasa’s patented acoustic nanotube technology is available for the firms to license and evolve into a commercial water purification product offering.
Photocatalytic water purification technology
Water treatment using photocatalysis has gained prominence in recent years due to its efficiency in treating contaminated water. The technology utilizes photocatalyst and ultraviolet (UV) rays to remove toxic substances from water.
Panasonic developed a technology that binds the photocatalyst (titanium dioxide) to a commercial adsorbent and a catalyst called zeolite, ensuring effective separation and recovery of photocatalysts from the water for reuse. Titanium dioxide can mineralize a range of organic compounds into safe end products. The catalyst uses UV radiation either from sunlight or artificial light to separate substance
Photocatalysis can break down a range of organic materials, estrogens, pesticides, dyes, crude oil, and microbes such as viruses and chlorine-resistant pathogens, as well as inorganic compounds such as nitrous oxides.
Photocatalytic water treatment systems are suitable for use in water and wastewater treatment facilities and can treat industrial wastewater polluted with high loads of organic substances or metals.
Aquaporins technology
A water technology company from Europe cleantech company is based on the bio-mimetic water treatment membrane design. Aquaporins enable quick and highly selective water transfer across the cell membrane. They allow the cell to regularize its volume and internal osmotic pressure in line with the hydrostatic and osmotic pressure differences.
The aquaporin channel’s distinct architecture allows the passage of water molecules and blocks all other compounds. The natural bio-mimetic membranes also serve as a basis for the development of artificial bio-mimetic membrane systems. The technology is being used in industrial and household water filtration and purification systems.
The Aquaporin membranes are the only membranes in the market to employ aquaporins to purify drinking water. The membranes are available for both forward osmosis (FO) and reverse osmosis (RO) applications.
The Aquaporin Space Alliance (ASA), a joint venture between Aquaporin and Danish Aerospace Company (DAS) is commercializing the patented Aquaporin Inside technology in space applications and space program, in collaboration with European and US-based firms.
Automatic Variable Filtration (AVF) technology
Automated Variable Filtration (AVF) technology involves a simple process where upward flow of influent is cleaned by downward flow of filter media. It eliminates the need for any additional process or freshwater for filter media cleaning.
The AVF method employs continuously cleaned descending bed filters embedded in a variable array. The two-stage configuration of the system integrates two sets of media filters that can function either in serial or parallel mode.
The process delivers water with quality equivalent to that of micro-filtration technology and at a fraction of the cost of low-pressure membranes. It features no moving parts and consumes less power, offerings savings on reduced operating and maintenance costs.
AVF systems are suitable for municipal drinking water and wastewater treatment, wastewater recycling and reuse, pre-filtration for membrane processes and desalination applications.
R2O Water Technologies, Process Research ORTECH (PRO), and some companies are some major stakeholders involved in the development of AVF technology-based products and service
No comments:
Post a Comment