Water purification
Water Purification
Water purification (pronunciation: /ˈwɔːtər ˌpjʊrɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/) is the process of removing undesirable chemicals, biological contaminants, suspended solids, and gases from water. The goal is to produce water fit for specific purposes. Most water is purified and disinfected for human consumption (drinking water), but water purification may also be carried out for a variety of other purposes, including medical, pharmacological, chemical, and industrial applications.
Etymology
The term "water purification" comes from the Latin words "aqua" for water and "purus" for pure. It was first used in the 18th century to describe the process of making water safe for consumption.
Process
The methods used for water purification include physical processes such as filtration, sedimentation, and distillation; biological processes such as slow sand filters or biologically active carbon; chemical processes such as flocculation and chlorination; and the use of electromagnetic radiation such as ultraviolet light.
Related Terms
- Filtration: The process of removing particulate matter from water by passing it through a porous medium.
- Sedimentation: The process of settling and depositing suspended particles to the bottom of a liquid.
- Distillation: The process of purifying a liquid by heating and cooling.
- Flocculation: The process of forming clumps in a liquid.
- Chlorination: The process of adding chlorine or hypochlorite to achieve various objectives.
- Ultraviolet light: A type of electromagnetic radiation used in water purification.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Water purification
- Wikipedia's article - Water purification
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