Various countries in the world are gradually coming in terms with the high level of pollution in waters flowing through their lands. There are regular meetings and conferences being held across the world, to discuss topics concerned with the purification of water, for both drinking and general purpose use. Problems of impure water might be a concern for the developing countries in Asia and Africa, but the developed countries are also strategically thinking continuously regarding the safety of their citizen’s health. Safe drinking water has been construed as a major step towards health of the society on the whole. Since health of the population is a matter for the lookout by the authorities, steps are required to ensure clean drinking water in a mass scale. For this purpose, chlorine has been a well known chemical entity since over a century. Effective and convenient, chlorination provides ample efficacy in getting the water rid of harmful chemical substances as well as the germs ranging from the simplest flu viruses to the skin infection causing fungi.
Chlorine as the commonest disinfectant for water in most homes:
Without using bleaching chlorine, most households do not consume their water. Potency wise, chlorine is one of the best and effective solutions for cleaning the drinking water. Popularity of this chemical substance is such that about 98 percent of drinking water sources in United States are using the various forms of chlorine for supply to communities.
Various research works have been going on in the field of chlorine bleaching of water. Many of these have pertained to the study of toxicity of chlorine on the consumers over a long period of time. Without questioning the efficacy of this chemical as a good source of disinfectant, the studies are proving that the harmful effects of chlorine can be bypassed, if some options better than chlorine are brought into force. In US, where research as well as technological advancements is supposed to be the best, studies pertaining to toxicity of chlorine and methods better than chlorine are being elicited. To a far extent, success has been achieved in this particular field, because these methods do not leave out any chemicals, as does the bleaching chlorine. Although, feasibility of putting up the alternative means of water disinfection still is under study, the 21st century has ushered in strong discussions about these features.
Formation of carcinogenic chemicals:
When chlorine is used in the process of water treatment for disinfection, it reacts with various organic elements and forms compounds, collectively called as trihalomethanes. One of the major and commonly known organic byproduct is chloroform, which has been established as a carcinogen. There are other THMs or trihalomethanes, which can be carcinogenic for the skin, on the respiratory tract and in the GI tract.
Research on this line of thought has produced results in the positive, reiterating the fact that the chlorine byproducts with its reaction with organic matters can cause toxicities in different parts of the body. Furthermore, on the simpler side, chlorine is a known antiseptic, able to destroy bacteria in the GI tract. Hence, abdominal upsets can be the result of consumption of chlorine treated water.
Higher degree of absorption through skin and airways:
Some scientists have also come to the conclusion that the absorption of chlorine and its byproducts are better absorbed through the skin, rather than from the stomach and intestine. So, even while bathing in bleaching chlorine treated water, people can inadvertently cause the chemicals to be absorbed into the blood stream. Those people, who drink boiled or purified water, still are in the danger of getting the chlorine into their body system. But then, it is entirely difficult for the common masses to avoid these waters because it would be difficult for them to get central treated water to get rid of the chlorine content. Nowadays, scientists and water experts are devising means to put alternatives better than chlorine, so that the water can be treated at source for disinfection and chlorine is avoided. In this way, it would be possible to get good quality water for drinking and cleaning purposes, without having to treat with chlorine.
Alternatives better than chlorine:
In the last decade or so, alternatives better than chlorine have come into the limelight and these are supposedly becoming popular in the developed countries. Also in the communities with poorer set up, methods are being designed to implement these processes at low cost for the benefit of the masses. Popular among the different methods are the use of certain other chemicals, and not chlorine and passing the water through UV treatment plants. Commercially, UV radiation has been discussed in various countries, because it is possibly the best form available for disinfection of water. Cost of the entire process of purification could be the downside, but use of calcium hypochlorite has become an alternative better than chlorine.
Using calcium hypochlorite to disinfect water:
Calcium hypochlorite has come into repute these days, due to its advantages. By far, it is supposed to be superior to home bleaching chlorine and is a safer chemical. It has effect on a variety of germs including viruses, bacteria and spores. It is used for cleaning and disinfecting water in swimming pools and has been given the tag of “pool Shock”. To prepare a solution of calcium hypochlorite to be used in water, 78% granular form of this chemical, in heaped teaspoon amount, should be mixed with about 8 liters of water. This solution is then mixed in the water, which is supposed to be disinfected. The mixture of the solution should be done in the amount of one part of chlorine solution to 100 parts of water. This mixture has to be kept sitting for one hour, before being used for cleaning or drinking.
Using calcium hypochlorite in granular rather than powdered form – Most important thing to consider in this kind of disinfection is that the granular dry form should be used only, because in solution form, this chemical starts disintegrating. Cheaper cost of this chemical is another advantage for its use in many countries, especially the ones where ozonisation or UV radiation techniques are not financially pragmatic. Due to its long duration of action, calcium hypochlorite has been in use nowadays, as a great alternative for the drinking water treatment.
Filtering the chlorinated water at the user end:
Filtration of the chlorinated water is also a viable option, which can provide solutions at the users’ end. In these cases, filtration units are set up in the shower or water heads. These filters are fitted at the faucets and are made up of certain chemical and mechanical ingredients, which helps remove the chlorine. So far, they can be a good way to derive clean water, but these also have been to be muddled with issues. Most of these filters can remove the chlorine effectively, but not any other kinds of chemicals.
There are vitamin C filters, which are seen to be quite effective. These help in removing chloramine along with chlorine, and have proved to be quite effective in the process. Being inexpensive and easily available, these filters are gradually being sold across many countries and have become cheaper solutions for getting cleaner water for drinking and washing, even though water disinfection has been done with chlorine. Even with all these good things being said about the chlorine filters, these inexpensive filters do not last long. They are also not suitable for whole house protection from chlorine agents. Lower cost, though has offset the lower durability and become viable for many households.
Continued efforts for better than chlorine alternatives for mass scale water disinfection:
Still, the problem of finding alternatives better than chlorine, for large scale water purifications have not yet been practiced on a mass scale. Many governments and private entrepreneurs in the field of water disinfection have been thinking about feasible ways to provide large scale water treatment at the source, so that the community water supply is made free from bacteria, viruses and spores, without having to tolerate the effects of chlorine. Among the upcoming methods are the processes of UV disinfection and ozonization, as well as the most advanced and recent method of bubble through pressurized systems, which cause the removal of even the micron sized particles and organisms from the water.
Options of UV rays, micronized bubbles and others:
Newer methods would be highly effective for populations, but requires time:
For most countries, if there is anything better than chlorine, presently for the mass scale treatment of water, then it is UV radiation. In coming years, more and more countries are expected to overcome hurdles to establish these plants. Some of them have already started work on these ambitious projects with millions of investments. Initial trials in some countries have proven to be effective. It is possible to give people something better than chlorine treated water for drinking as well as washing, but the time is not far away now, to get such schemes to become operable.
The resources are present and the potential to tap into these resources are awaited by many countries. Those days are not far when UV radiation treated water plants would become common throughout the world, as has been the standard for chlorine treated water. Even though chlorine treated water has effectively reduced the amount of impurities, germs and other organic matters from drinking water and cleaning water, it is gradually being realized by people that the long term effects of chlorinated water are not good. There are few methods to overcome such obstacles. Some of these, target the control at the user end, at the faucets in taps. But, mass treatment of water is necessary for providing equivocal supply to the communities. For this purpose, UV radiation has already been proven to be better than chlorine, and steps are being taken to ensure that this form of treatment gets accepted worldwide. The start of such an era has been quite encouraging and it will be acquired full-fledged in a few decades ahead.
Chlorine as the commonest disinfectant for water in most homes:
Without using bleaching chlorine, most households do not consume their water. Potency wise, chlorine is one of the best and effective solutions for cleaning the drinking water. Popularity of this chemical substance is such that about 98 percent of drinking water sources in United States are using the various forms of chlorine for supply to communities.
- Action of chlorine – On getting mixed with water, the bleaching powder gets converted into active chlorine and releases free radicals, which when combined with germs, causes their lysis. Although, this method has been a boon for mass scale disinfection of drinking water supply resources, like wells, municipality pump houses, overhead tanks and state owned reservoirs, some new discussions are coming up regarding the over-the-time safety. With options better than chlorine, in the offing, it is high time that the methods of disinfection of the water should be considered.
Various research works have been going on in the field of chlorine bleaching of water. Many of these have pertained to the study of toxicity of chlorine on the consumers over a long period of time. Without questioning the efficacy of this chemical as a good source of disinfectant, the studies are proving that the harmful effects of chlorine can be bypassed, if some options better than chlorine are brought into force. In US, where research as well as technological advancements is supposed to be the best, studies pertaining to toxicity of chlorine and methods better than chlorine are being elicited. To a far extent, success has been achieved in this particular field, because these methods do not leave out any chemicals, as does the bleaching chlorine. Although, feasibility of putting up the alternative means of water disinfection still is under study, the 21st century has ushered in strong discussions about these features.
Formation of carcinogenic chemicals:
When chlorine is used in the process of water treatment for disinfection, it reacts with various organic elements and forms compounds, collectively called as trihalomethanes. One of the major and commonly known organic byproduct is chloroform, which has been established as a carcinogen. There are other THMs or trihalomethanes, which can be carcinogenic for the skin, on the respiratory tract and in the GI tract.
Research on this line of thought has produced results in the positive, reiterating the fact that the chlorine byproducts with its reaction with organic matters can cause toxicities in different parts of the body. Furthermore, on the simpler side, chlorine is a known antiseptic, able to destroy bacteria in the GI tract. Hence, abdominal upsets can be the result of consumption of chlorine treated water.
Higher degree of absorption through skin and airways:
Some scientists have also come to the conclusion that the absorption of chlorine and its byproducts are better absorbed through the skin, rather than from the stomach and intestine. So, even while bathing in bleaching chlorine treated water, people can inadvertently cause the chemicals to be absorbed into the blood stream. Those people, who drink boiled or purified water, still are in the danger of getting the chlorine into their body system. But then, it is entirely difficult for the common masses to avoid these waters because it would be difficult for them to get central treated water to get rid of the chlorine content. Nowadays, scientists and water experts are devising means to put alternatives better than chlorine, so that the water can be treated at source for disinfection and chlorine is avoided. In this way, it would be possible to get good quality water for drinking and cleaning purposes, without having to treat with chlorine.
Alternatives better than chlorine:
In the last decade or so, alternatives better than chlorine have come into the limelight and these are supposedly becoming popular in the developed countries. Also in the communities with poorer set up, methods are being designed to implement these processes at low cost for the benefit of the masses. Popular among the different methods are the use of certain other chemicals, and not chlorine and passing the water through UV treatment plants. Commercially, UV radiation has been discussed in various countries, because it is possibly the best form available for disinfection of water. Cost of the entire process of purification could be the downside, but use of calcium hypochlorite has become an alternative better than chlorine.
Using calcium hypochlorite to disinfect water:
Calcium hypochlorite has come into repute these days, due to its advantages. By far, it is supposed to be superior to home bleaching chlorine and is a safer chemical. It has effect on a variety of germs including viruses, bacteria and spores. It is used for cleaning and disinfecting water in swimming pools and has been given the tag of “pool Shock”. To prepare a solution of calcium hypochlorite to be used in water, 78% granular form of this chemical, in heaped teaspoon amount, should be mixed with about 8 liters of water. This solution is then mixed in the water, which is supposed to be disinfected. The mixture of the solution should be done in the amount of one part of chlorine solution to 100 parts of water. This mixture has to be kept sitting for one hour, before being used for cleaning or drinking.
Using calcium hypochlorite in granular rather than powdered form – Most important thing to consider in this kind of disinfection is that the granular dry form should be used only, because in solution form, this chemical starts disintegrating. Cheaper cost of this chemical is another advantage for its use in many countries, especially the ones where ozonisation or UV radiation techniques are not financially pragmatic. Due to its long duration of action, calcium hypochlorite has been in use nowadays, as a great alternative for the drinking water treatment.
Filtering the chlorinated water at the user end:
Filtration of the chlorinated water is also a viable option, which can provide solutions at the users’ end. In these cases, filtration units are set up in the shower or water heads. These filters are fitted at the faucets and are made up of certain chemical and mechanical ingredients, which helps remove the chlorine. So far, they can be a good way to derive clean water, but these also have been to be muddled with issues. Most of these filters can remove the chlorine effectively, but not any other kinds of chemicals.
There are vitamin C filters, which are seen to be quite effective. These help in removing chloramine along with chlorine, and have proved to be quite effective in the process. Being inexpensive and easily available, these filters are gradually being sold across many countries and have become cheaper solutions for getting cleaner water for drinking and washing, even though water disinfection has been done with chlorine. Even with all these good things being said about the chlorine filters, these inexpensive filters do not last long. They are also not suitable for whole house protection from chlorine agents. Lower cost, though has offset the lower durability and become viable for many households.
Continued efforts for better than chlorine alternatives for mass scale water disinfection:
Still, the problem of finding alternatives better than chlorine, for large scale water purifications have not yet been practiced on a mass scale. Many governments and private entrepreneurs in the field of water disinfection have been thinking about feasible ways to provide large scale water treatment at the source, so that the community water supply is made free from bacteria, viruses and spores, without having to tolerate the effects of chlorine. Among the upcoming methods are the processes of UV disinfection and ozonization, as well as the most advanced and recent method of bubble through pressurized systems, which cause the removal of even the micron sized particles and organisms from the water.
Options of UV rays, micronized bubbles and others:
- Highly efficient UV radiation – For many of the technologically advanced countries, UV treatment plants are coming up as great options for the treatment of water, especially at the sources. Large set ups have been carved in recent years in big sized fields, where the UV rays are utilized to clean the water binding by the new rules by the local authorities. The fact that local bodies are coming out with regulations and laws regarding the level of purification of water in community supplies, points towards the fact that UV radiation cleaning of water is gaining acceptance at the administrative levels. Setting up such large sets for such ultraviolet treatment is better than chlorine addition to the water sources.
- Possibly, the biggest advantage of using such a method of water disinfection is that huge volumes of water can be treated, once such a mechanism is underway. In some parts of United States, complete cities are being targeted to be supplied with water for drinking and washing, which have been passed through these UV radiation units. Furthermore, the clarity of the treated water is comparatively quite good, without having any side effect profile like that of chlorine toxicity.
Newer methods would be highly effective for populations, but requires time:
For most countries, if there is anything better than chlorine, presently for the mass scale treatment of water, then it is UV radiation. In coming years, more and more countries are expected to overcome hurdles to establish these plants. Some of them have already started work on these ambitious projects with millions of investments. Initial trials in some countries have proven to be effective. It is possible to give people something better than chlorine treated water for drinking as well as washing, but the time is not far away now, to get such schemes to become operable.
The resources are present and the potential to tap into these resources are awaited by many countries. Those days are not far when UV radiation treated water plants would become common throughout the world, as has been the standard for chlorine treated water. Even though chlorine treated water has effectively reduced the amount of impurities, germs and other organic matters from drinking water and cleaning water, it is gradually being realized by people that the long term effects of chlorinated water are not good. There are few methods to overcome such obstacles. Some of these, target the control at the user end, at the faucets in taps. But, mass treatment of water is necessary for providing equivocal supply to the communities. For this purpose, UV radiation has already been proven to be better than chlorine, and steps are being taken to ensure that this form of treatment gets accepted worldwide. The start of such an era has been quite encouraging and it will be acquired full-fledged in a few decades ahead.