Water purification is not a new thing. In fact, the use of some type of water filter to purify water has been around for 4,000 years or more, according to some estimates. What has changed, however, is the technology used to both purify water and measure water quality.
Today’s water quality standards are a far cry from the old, simple belief that clear water was clean, safe water! We now know that many of the water contaminants we’re aware of can’t actually be seen by the naked eye. That means that in order for water to be safe to use and consume, it’s more important than ever to have effective water purification systems in place.
Have You Heard of These Water Purification Technologies?
Modern water purification has evolved into a high-tech industry. While the field continues to change and improve as new ideas are put into action, let’s take a look at some of the most recent advancements as listed by Water Technology.
1. Nanotech-based Water Purification
Widely considered to be more efficient and cost-effective than traditional water purification methods, nanotechnology allows for separation and removal of water contaminants at very low concentrations. In addition, a variety of contaminants – metallic, organic, inorganic – can be removed.
2. Acoustic Nanotube Technology
Developed by science experts at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, this relatively new technology works a little differently than conventional water filtration methods. Rather than taking water contaminants out, it pushes water away from them, making flushing of the filtration system unnecessary. This type of water purification is often used at municipal water treatment plants, desalination plants, medical facilities, labs, and more.
3. Photocatalytic Water Purification
This advanced technology uses photocatalysts combined with ultraviolet rays to remove water toxins.The technology’s efficiency has proved useful in removing contaminants such as pesticides, oil, dyes, and organic materials, making it a favorite choice for wastewater treatment plants.
4. Aquaporin Inside™
Aquaporins are small membrane proteins found in both animal and plant cells. As their name suggests, they are used to transport water between cells. The Danish company by the same name, Aquaporin, has utilized aquaporins to create membranes that can be used to purify drinking water. Known as Aquaporin Inside™ technology, these membranes are used in both forward osmosis and reverse osmosis water purification systems.
5. Automatic Variable Filtration (AVF)
AVF water purification technology treats incoming water flowing in an upward direction via a downward flow of filtration media. This type of technology is especially popular with municipal water treatment systems because it costs less to run and maintain than some other systems while simultaneously producing highly filtered water.
The Salt Miner: Environmentally-Friendly Water Purification
Unfortunately, many of the water purification technologies on the market today are not efficient at removing dissolved salts. Although salt gets into water in a variety of ways, it can often be traced back to some industrial processes as well as residential and commercial water softeners. Salt contamination of water can then lead to increased soil salinity and a host of other negative effects on the environment around us.
Fortunately, the Salt Miner offers an efficient and cost-effective solution. Rather than treating contaminated water after the fact, this water purification technology can be used at the source of the problem. The Salt Miner is installed between a brine source and the drain. Since it effectively ‘mines’ salt out of the wastewater, the water that’s then released into the soil, septic system, or other part of the environment is not filled with a high salt concentration.
To learn more about how the Salt Miner works and how you can be part of this cutting-edge water treatment solution, contact us today!
