Health

Types of Water Contaminants and Their Effects

The contaminant is the physical, chemical and biological or radiological substance in the water.  However, if the levels and concentration of contaminants are too high, the water is harmful and unsuitable for consumption. Contaminants are anything that is not water molecules. There can be some stray and minimal contaminants in the drinking water.

The 1000 LPH RO plant may remove the water contaminants from the water supply in my home. They come from the soil and make their way into the faucet in your home. Cities with old pipe systems may also have lead and copper contaminants that can make their way into the taps of homes. Water contaminants like pesticides, bacteria, and toxins are common in the water.

The Four Types of Contaminants in Water

The contaminants in water are of 4 types: physical, chemical, biological and radiological. The physical pollutants that impact the physical properties of the water. It means the contaminants like sediments and organic matter that get suspended in water sources. The water could be lakes, rivers, streams, etc.

The chemical contaminants are elements and compounds. The pollutants can get manufactured or naturally occurring. These could include nitrogen, salts, pesticides and metals, toxins by bacteria or even human activities.

Biological contaminants refer to the organisms present in water. These microbes include bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and parasites. Lastly, the radiological contaminants are the chemical ones that have unbalanced protons and neutrons that release ions into the water. A few radiological contaminants are Caesium, Plutonium and Uranium. The water purifier service in Delhi removes all such pollutants to make the water fit for drinking purposes.

Lead- A Dangerous Contaminant

Lead is one of the top contaminants of water. It is dangerous if consumed with extensive contents. Lead contaminants can occur due to ageing water filtration systems. Lead in the water can result in various health effects. Even little lead exposure can lead to mental and physical ailments. Lead contamination also poses a high risk of high blood pressure and kidney problems. 

Chlorine- Dangerous For Health

Chlorine is generally used to treat water. However, a high concentration of chlorine can leave the water smelling pungent. Also, chlorine has some hazardous effects on health. It can cause skin and eye irritation.

It can also lead to stomach upset if the water gets consumed in large quantities. Chlorine should not get used more than the recommended amount in treating water. 

Dissolved Inorganic Ions

Silicates, chlorides, calcites, fluorides, magnesium, phosphates, bicarbonates, and nitrates are all forms of undissolved inorganic ions in the water. These cause the water to be unstable. Also, the later the taste and quality of the water. 

The presence of such radicals makes the water hard water. Hard water is rough on the floor’s surface and harms health. It is not safe for consumption. The instability of the ions causes the water to react with foreign chemicals and substances heavily. 

The altered biological reactions to unsafe and unclean water can significantly change the body’s functions. For instance, the formation of protein-protein and protein-lipid interaction. Also, it can alter the enzymes’ activity and even delay the growth of cells and tissues.

Microplastics

One of the most widely present particles in water is microplastics. Microplastic refers to plastic debris that is invisible to the naked eye. They break away from larger prices of plastic. Being small, they can easily make their way into municipal waters, hence your drinking water.

Plastics are not biodegradable. These particles are incredibly toxic and pose a massive threat to the environment.  They are currently polluting the oceans.

Aluminium

The third most abundant element present in Earth’s soil is aluminium. Therefore, it is easy to find its way into the soil. Similarly, aluminium can also make its way into water systems. It does so, as aluminium can sometimes get found in trace amounts, even in drinking water sources. 

In recent years experts have linked the presence of aluminium in tap waters with dementia. Communities with massive traces of aluminium in their water source were more likely to be diagnosed with dementia. 

Symptoms of aluminium contamination include vomiting, diarrhoea, skin rashes, arthritic pain, nausea, mouth ulcers and skin ulcers. However, experts noted that the symptoms were short-lived. They had no long-lasting effects.

Read Also : Easy Cooking Hacks to Save Time and Money

Conclusion

Water filters and treatment plants remove complex chemicals and contaminants from the water. They make the water eligible for consumption. Water filters do not just remove contaminants, but they also improve the taste of the water. 

Purification by water filters does not mean stripping away the necessary minerals. They preserve them to provide individuals with all the benefits of drinking clean, contaminant-free water.

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