How is Water Treated by Filtration? 

Water is a natural resource that we need to drink and use for many things. However, it can contain contaminants that can make us sick if we consume it without filtration. 

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The process of water treatment can range from simple procedures like boiling to complex technologies that involve a combination of chemicals and microorganisms. Regardless of the method used, the first step in treating water is to remove all the solids in it. 

Filtration is the process of physically separating solids from water by forming a barrier. This barrier can be a physical structure such as a filter or membrane, or it can be a chemical one such as chlorine or ozone. 

Some processes of filtration remove more than just particles; they also remove bacteria and heavy metals from water. There are a number of ways to do this, including reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration. 

Reverse osmosis filters the water through a membrane with very tiny pores. These small pores are designed to only let through water and other very small molecules, such as salts and tiny charged molecules. 

Once the water is through this filter, it goes into another container that contains a mixture of salts and chemicals that help remove bacteria and other dissolved substances. The resulting mixture can be discharged into the wastewater treatment plant or disposed of. 

Alternatively, the water can be used for other purposes such as washing clothes or cleaning dishes. Using filtered water will prevent the buildup of soap scum and deposits on your clothes or dishes that can lead to rashes, allergies, or other problems. 

A filtration process can be performed on groundwater, surface water, or pre-treated wastewater that needs to be removed from the environment before it is reused for other purposes. These steps can be carried out by a variety of technologies such as fine mesh screening, media filtration, and membrane filtration. 

Screening – A common first stage in water treatment, screen filters remove large debris from water such as sticks or leaves, which can interfere with later stages of water treatment. These methods are often used in conjunction with other stages of water treatment such as coagulation or sedimentation. 

Coagulation – This is a form of filtration that works by bringing together the particles in water and causing them to stick together, or coagulate. It is a form of water purification that may be combined with other filtration techniques such as sedimentation or dissolved air flotation. 

While coagulation can remove particles and some dissolved matter, it can also cause the formation of pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. These pathogens are resistant to chlorine and other disinfectants and can cause serious or even fatal illnesses. 

Some sewage treatment plants will filter out certain contaminants before they are released into the wastewater stream, but it is not always possible. If the contaminant is not removed, it can end up in other areas of the treatment plant and be used for other purposes. This can make the entire process more complicated and expensive than it should be.