Industrial Chemistry and Water Treatment: Purifying the Liquid Gold

Alberto Mendoza^*
*Correspondence: Alberto Mendoza, Department of Chemical Sciences, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran, Email:

Keywords

Water treatment • Liquid gold • Industrial chemistry

Introduction

Access to clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental human right. Waterborne diseases can be life-threatening and inadequate water treatment can lead to epidemics. Proper water treatment safeguards public health by removing or inactivating harmful microorganisms and contaminants. Discharging untreated or poorly treated water into the environment can harm aquatic ecosystems and disrupt the balance of nature. Water treatment ensures that the water released back into rivers and oceans is free from pollutants, safeguarding the environment. Many industries rely on water for their operations. Water treatment ensures that the water used in industrial processes is of high quality, preventing equipment damage and maintaining product quality [1,2].

Description

The agricultural sector relies heavily on water for irrigation. Properly treated water ensures that crops receive the necessary nutrients without the harmful effects of contaminants. Industrial chemistry plays a pivotal role in water treatment by utilizing various chemical processes to remove contaminants from water. This initial step involves adding chemicals like aluminum sulfate or ferric chloride to water to destabilize suspended particles. These chemicals create aggregates (flocs) that can be easily separated from the water through sedimentation or filtration. During this phase, the flocs formed in the coagulationflocculation step settle at the bottom of a sedimentation basin. Clean water is then drawn off from the top. The remaining impurities are removed by passing water through various filtration media such as sand, anthracite and activated carbon. These materials physically trap particles and absorb dissolved substances. To eliminate harmful microorganisms, disinfection methods like chlorination, Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, or ozonation are used.

These processes kill or inactivate bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. Maintaining the pH of water within a specific range is critical for water quality. Chemicals like lime or sodium hydroxide are added to adjust the pH. In areas where freshwater resources are scarce, desalination processes like reverse osmosis are employed to remove salt from seawater or brackish water. The field of industrial chemistry and water treatment has witnessed remarkable innovations. New technologies, materials and processes are constantly being developed to improve efficiency, reduce costs and minimize environmental impacts. Nanomaterials have shown promise in enhancing filtration processes and removing contaminants at the nanoscale. High-performance membranes with improved selectivity and durability are revolutionizing water treatment, particularly in desalination and wastewater recycling [3-5]. Automation, remote monitoring and artificial intelligence are being integrated into water treatment plants to optimize operations and reduce energy consumption. The use of environmentally friendly chemicals in water treatment, such as ozone and hydrogen peroxide, is on the rise to reduce the ecological footprint of treatment processes.

Conclusion

Water treatment is a vital aspect of industrial chemistry, responsible for delivering safe, clean water for both human consumption and industrial applications. As the demand for freshwater resources continues to rise, it's crucial to further develop and implement innovative solutions within the realm of industrial chemistry. By purifying this "liquid gold," we can ensure a sustainable future for both humans and the environment. Water treatment is not just about safeguarding our health but also preserving the planet's most precious resource for generations to come.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

References

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