Life cannot survive without water. However, water, which is a source of all lives, can also be a source of diseases when contaminated with microbes and toxic substances. It is therefore necessary to ensure you are drinking is free from impurities and contaminants.
With the rising risk of water contamination, water filters have become indispensable for most homes. Different water filtering methods are applied to remove impurities and purify. Water filters commonly used in households use reverse osmosis, active carbon, cartridge filtration, ultraviolet sterilization, ceramic filters and ion exchange resins for eliminating contaminants.
Types of water filters
Reverse osmosis
Reverse osmosis based water filtration systems are highly versatile. It is a great choice for removing dissolved salts and bacteria. Although the tiny pores of the semi-permeable membrane of the filtration system are small enough to prevent majority of bacteria from passing through it, filtration defects, especially following prolonged use, may reduce the effectiveness of the water filter. Additional treatment is usually required to remove all traces of contaminants and microbes from water. Reverse osmosis based filtration system can be quite expensive. Its powerful filtration effect may also remove beneficial minerals.
Active carbon filters
Carbon is a powerful natural absorbent. By absorbing contaminants, it helps to purify water. Active carbon filters are suitable for removing chlorine and chemicals from water. Impregnation with silver enhances the ability of active carbon filters to remove bacteria. Usually active carbon filters are combined with other filtration techniques to improve the purity of water.
UV Sterilization
Ultraviolet (UV) sterilization is the most effective method of purifying water contaminated with bacteria and microbes. By destroying the bacteria, viruses, protozoa and parasites present in the water, it makes water suitable for drinking.
Ion exchange resins
Ion exchange resins are usually combined with other water purification processes. It is applied at the end stage of water filtration for "polishing" the water to make it as good as pure water. The anion and cation columns in the filtration can be reused with acid and alkaline wash.
Ceramic filters
Ceramic filters integrated in water filtration systems remove suspended particles and bacteria from water. They come with tiny pore sizes, usually less than 0.22 micrometers. To enhance the filtration process, active carbon is integrated in ceramic filters. However, ceramic filters work slowly, filtering only a few liters daily. They can be cleaned and reused, and are therefore considered a cheaper option for purifying.
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