Water purification

Definition

Water purification is the process of removing undesirable chemicals, biological contaminants, suspended solids, and gases from water. The goal is to produce water that is safe for specific uses, such as drinking or laboratory work.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Water purification often involves multiple stages including filtration, sedimentation, and disinfection.
2. Common methods for microbial control in water include the use of chlorine, ozone, and ultraviolet (UV) light.
3. Filtration can physically remove microorganisms like bacteria and protozoa from water.
4. Boiling water is an effective physical method to kill most pathogens and is one of the simplest forms of purification.
5. The presence of biofilms in water systems can complicate purification efforts by protecting embedded microorganisms from disinfectants.

Review Questions

• What are the main stages involved in the process of water purification?
• Which chemical agents are commonly used to disinfect water?
• How does boiling purify water and what types of pathogens does it effectively eliminate?

Related terms

Filtration:

A mechanical process that removes particles from a liquid by passing it through a filter medium.

Disinfection:

The process of eliminating or reducing harmful microorganisms from inanimate objects and surfaces.

Biofilm:

A structured community of microorganisms encapsulated within a self-produced matrix attached to a surface.