How are biological contaminants removed from water?

Biological contaminants are removed from water through processes like filtration, disinfection, and ultraviolet (UV) treatment.

Filtration is a common method used to remove biological contaminants from water. This process involves passing water through a porous material, such as sand or ceramic, which traps and removes the contaminants. The size of the pores in the filter determines what size of contaminants can be removed. For example, a filter with very small pores can remove bacteria and viruses, while a filter with larger pores may only remove larger contaminants like parasites and algae.

Disinfection is another method used to remove or kill biological contaminants. This can be achieved through the use of chemicals like chlorine or iodine. These chemicals kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms by damaging their cell walls and disrupting their metabolic processes. However, disinfection does not remove the dead microorganisms from the water, so it is often used in combination with filtration.

Ultraviolet (UV) treatment is a more modern method of removing biological contaminants from water. This process involves exposing the water to UV light, which damages the DNA of the microorganisms, preventing them from reproducing. UV treatment is effective against a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. However, it does not remove the dead microorganisms from the water, so it is often used in combination with filtration.

In addition to these methods, boiling is a simple and effective way to kill biological contaminants in water. The heat from boiling water kills bacteria, viruses, and parasites, making the water safe to drink. However, boiling does not remove the dead microorganisms from the water, so it is often used in combination with other methods like filtration.

Overall, the method chosen to remove biological contaminants from water will depend on the type and quantity of contaminants present, as well as the resources available.