Howdy, Water Warriors! We are excited to update you on our latest water test for the Newlands Spring. To summarise, we currently do not recommend drinking Newlands Spring presently. We detected high levels of Fluoride, Phosphate, Sulphates and heavy metal Aluminium at levels exceeding the recommended safe limits. In terms of the organoleptic and physical properties, they were impeccable, proving again looks can be deceiving. The E.coli and coliform bacteria data will be updated in the next 48 hours.
The earth consists of 8.23% of Aluminium, being the third most abundant element after Oxygen and Silicon. In drinking water, the safe limits should not exceed 0,300 mg/L (imagine having 3 units out of 1,000,000) this is the maximum allowable safe limit without risking health issues such as neurological, bone, and kidney function. If the safe limits of Aluminium are exceeded, it’s not the end of the world. Several methods can be used to treat the water to get it to safe drinking limits. Whether in a commercial or household space, these solutions can make it possible to get the water to meet the SANS 241:2015 Drinking water quality standards.
1. Reverse Osmosis (RO):
Is a highly effective method that can remove over 98% of aluminum from water. It works by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane, leaving contaminants like aluminium, other heavy metals, bacteria etc behind. It’s a suitable method to use even at really high levels of Aluminium. The process involves high energy consumption, especially for pumping water through the membrane. A significant generation of wastewater, often 2-3 times the volume of treated water, is often observed. This method is ideal due to the minimal chemical contamination possible, primarily limited to the chemicals used in membrane cleaning.
2. Distillation:
Distillation can remove over 99% of aluminium through boiling and vaporising, and then condensing the impurity free water. It is also very suited for extremely high levels of aluminium or other contaminants where energy consumption can be justifiable. Like Reverse Osmosis, high energy consumption is experienced for heating and cooling processes. There is minimal waste and chemical contaminants, primarily the scale and sediment removed from the boiler.
3. Electrodialysis:
For large-scale water treatment, electrolysis can be an effective water treatment method. An with moderate energy consumption electric current separates ions, including aluminium and other metals, from the water. There is minimal waste generation, primarily the disposal of spent membranes and electrode materials. Minimal chemical contaminants with potential contamination from cleaning agents and membrane materials is often experienced.
4. Cation Exchange:
Though Cation Exchange is less effective than RO or distillation, it can be a preferred method due to low energy consumption and it allows the regeneration of media using acids and bases and can be cost-effective in the long term. Cation ions in the water are exchanged with ions in a resin. Moderate waste generation from spent regenerant solutions and resin disposal. There is a moderate risk of chemical contamination, primarily from the chemicals used in regeneration, such as acids and bases.
For choosing the ideal method, consider the following:
Water Quality: The effectiveness of a filtration method depends on the specific water quality and the level of aluminium or contaminant present.
Chemical Use: Minimize the use of chemicals for cleaning and regeneration.
Cost: The cost of filtration systems can vary significantly depending on the technology and the size of the system.
Energy Efficiency: Choose energy-efficient models and optimize system operation.
Life Cycle Assessment: Consider the entire life cycle of the system, from manufacturing to disposal.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial for optimal performance and to ensure the filter continues to remove aluminium effectively.
Waste Reduction: Recycle wastewater and properly dispose of spent filters and membranes.
In conclusion, pick the most effective method for water treatment based on your needs as a business or as a household. And remember, the environmental impact of the method you choose is important and contributes to the global wellbeing of the planet. Don’t forget to look out for the E.coli and coliform results for the Newlands Spring for the month of October 2024.
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