 There's What in the
Water?
A Description of Common Impurities
Water quality is judged by the types, and levels of
concentration, of many constituents that may be present in the
water. Some of these constituents occur in nature, and some are
generated by human technology. What most of us would simply call
"junk in the water", is actually studied carefully by water
treatment experts.
Suspended Solids are materials dispersed in
water that can be removed from the water with filters. These
materials often consist largely of tiny particles of mud, humus,
sewage and industrial waste products. Very fine suspended solids are
called turbidity. Drinking water should have less than 10-ppm
turbidity in order to appear clear. Demineralizer manufactures often
set turbidity limits on influent water to guarantee resin or unit
performance.
Dissolved gases are gases dispersed throughout a
body of water. Fish obtain their oxygen supply from dissolved
oxygen. The most common forms of dissolved gases are present in
water are oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen.
Dissolved solids are soluble materials, other
than gases, which are dispersed or dissolved in water and cannot be
removed by conventional filters. These materials include minerals
and organic substances. All waters contain varying concentrations of
dissolved salts that dissociate and form charged particles called
ions. Dissolved Solids are common referred to as TDS which stands
for total dissolved solids.
Microorganisms are tiny plants and animals which
are difficult, or impossible, to detect individually without a
microscope. They include algae, beneficial bacteria that decompose
wastes, and harmful bacteria such as those that cause cholera. A
large number of microorganisms can form a biomass or slime which may
be easily detected. These types of impurities are found in low
temperature and pressure systems like your cooling tower.
Possible science experiment
1. Obtain a pure white sheet. About 3' x 3' (one
that mom doesn't want anymore)
2. Buy a small bottle of distilled water.
3. Place sheet on clean dry surface.
4. Pour 1/2 cup of "tap" water onto sheet to form a
small wet circle.
5. Pour 1/2 cup or distilled water onto sheet to
form the same sized circle.
6. Allow to dry and write conclusions.
|
