Water Treatment for Drinking
Access to safe drinking water is considered to be a basic human right. However, more than one-sixth of the world’s population, predominantly in developing countries, lack reliable access to such water. Customers complain to drinking water companies regarding incidents like taste, odour, colour, slime, low pressure and no supply of water. In the UK, it is estimated that one-third of all customer complaints concerning drinking water are related to water discolouration (Cook et al., 2005). These complaints greatly undermine customers’ confidence in water companies.
Access to safe drinking water is a fundamental human right and a critical component of public health. In many regions of the world, drinking water sources are contaminated by various pollutants, including iron, manganese, H2S, heavy metals, pathogens, and suspended solids. Traditional treatment methods may be insufficient to address these challenges effectively. KT-20 filter media has emerged as a versatile solution for treating drinking water, effectively removing numerous contaminants and enhancing water quality.
KT-20 is a multi-functional filtration media composed primarily of manganese dioxide and other natural minerals. Its unique properties make it particularly effective for various water treatment applications.
Mechanisms of Contaminant Removal
Physical Filtration:
-Depth Filtration: As water passes through the KT-20 media, suspended solids and larger particles are trapped within the media bed. The interconnected structure of the media allows it to capture particles of various sizes, effectively reducing turbidity.
– Straining Action: Larger particles are filtered out at the surface, while smaller particles penetrate deeper into the media, enhancing the overall filtration efficiency.
Adsorption:
– Electrostatic Interaction: The surface charge of contaminants can interact with the KT-20 media, leading to electrostatic attractions that enhance the removal of dissolved and suspended particles.
– Chemical Affinities: Some contaminants, such as heavy metals (e.g., arsenic, lead), have a strong affinity for manganese dioxide, allowing for effective adsorption and removal from the water.
Oxidation:
– Oxidation of Contaminants: Manganese dioxide catalyzes the oxidation of certain contaminants, such as arsenite (As(III)), converting it to arsenate (As(V)), which can then be effectively removed through adsorption. This redox reaction enhances the overall removal of contaminants that are otherwise challenging to treat.
Advantages of Using KT-20 in Drinking Water Treatment
– High Efficiency: KT-20 demonstrates superior performance in removing a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals, suspended solids, pathogens, and organic compounds, effectively producing safe drinking water.
– Cost-Effective Operation: The longer lifespan of KT-20 and its reduced maintenance needs result in lower operational costs over time compared to traditional filtration systems, which may require frequent media changes.
– Versatility: KT-20 can be used in various treatment systems, including point-of-use filters, municipal water treatment facilities, and industrial applications, catering to the specific needs of different populations.
– Environmental Sustainability: Utilizing natural minerals minimizes the use of harsh chemicals often associated with conventional water treatment processes. This contributes to a more sustainable approach to drinking water purification.
– Ease of Installation: KT-20 systems can be easily integrated into existing water treatment infrastructures, simplifying the transition to more effective filtration solutions.
KT-20 filter media represents a significant advancement in drinking water treatment technology, offering an effective and sustainable solution for removing a wide array of contaminants. Its unique properties enable the production of safe, clean, and aesthetically pleasing drinking water across diverse applications. By integrating KT-20 into water treatment systems, communities can enhance water quality, protect public health, and move toward more sustainable and efficient water management practices. As global water quality demands continue to rise, KT-20 offers a promising approach to ensuring the safety and availability of drinking water for all.
