Top Drinking Water Contaminants and How They Affect Our Health
In the course of our daily eight glasses of delicious, hydrating water, how often do we pause to contemplate the vast number of water contaminants that may be found in our tap water?
Any supply of water will, by its very nature, have some level of water contamination, some of which will be natural and some of which will be man-made. As water runs across our streams, lakes, rivers, and oceans and filters through diverse rock formations and soil, it comes into contact with a wide range of chemicals, all of which will be absorbed into the water source.
Furthermore, when our water is treated at various facilities by the municipal authorities in order to provide us with good and safe drinking water, a fresh batch of chemicals and additives are introduced into the system.
While the Environmental Protection Agency regulates this process, the specifics, processes, and enactment of those regulations differ from one city and municipality to the next. In a recent study, the Environmental Protection Agency says that about 60,000 chemicals are now used in the United States. Unfortunately, the Safe Water Act only regulates 91 of the water pollutants.
The Reason America Is Facing A Clean And Safe Water Crisis?
With the current state of rules and processes, it's not difficult to see why the United States is experiencing a water shortage dilemma when it comes to the supply of clean, safe drinking water.
Despite the fact that tragedies such as the presence of lead in Flint-Michigan make headlines, nothing is being done to address the problem.
Because the fact is that our water sources are being poisoned by a wide range of potentially hazardous substances, it is up to us as consumers to educate ourselves about the issue at large and to pressure our elected officials to implement comprehensive and effective reform.
To gain a better understanding of the situation, the following are the top 15 most common water contaminants that are found in tap water and how they affect your health.
Top Drinking Water Contaminants and How They Affect Your Health
Continue reading to find out more about the causes, side effects, restrictions, and treatment techniques of the 15 world's worst tap water pollutants, as well as how to avoid them in the future.
1. Aluminum As A Water Contaminant
Aluminum is among the most plentiful metals on the planet, and it may seep from the soil into your drinking water if it is not treated properly.
Aluminum sulfate, often known as alum, is one of the most prevalent sources of pollution since it is used to treat wastewater. Alum is added to water treatment plants in order to aid in the clumping of solid waste particles together.
The drawback, though, is that trace levels of alum will surely find their way into the water that you drink as well. If you've ever noticed white gelatinous deposits growing in your pipes, it's possible that they were caused by alum.
There is no danger to people who drink aluminum-tainted water, but it can be very dangerous for dialysis patients who are undergoing treatment. So for dialysis patients, it's recommended that you avoid aluminum-contaminated water.
As stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "Aluminum toxicity can cause osteomalacia, anemia, and dementia in hemodialysis patients and has historically been associated with exposure to contaminated water or dialysate preparations, as well as ingestion of aluminum-containing aluminum phosphate binders."
The fact is that aluminum is a little rough around the edges, and it's best to avoid it if at all possible, regardless of your medical history or current medications.
Aluminum Controls and Regulations
As a general rule for drinking water, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes a limit of 0.05 mg/L for aluminum, which is the maximum allowed.
However, due to the extensive use of alum in sewage treatment plants, this is difficult to achieve in most cities in the United States. The choice is whether you will turn a blind eye or if you will take matters into your own hands.
Fortunately, aluminum is quite simple to remove using the following three techniques such as:
-
Reverse osmosis system. Recommended: Reverse Osmosis Systems
-
Resins that exchange ions technique
-
Distillation technique
Ion exchange resins are used to soften water and remove "hard" minerals such as aluminum from the water.
At the same time, Reverse Osmosis can remove up to 98 percent of aluminum from water, while distillation can remove up to 99 percent of aluminum.
If you use distillation to ensure the health of your water, simply remineralize it with necessary electrolytes such as calcium and magnesium. .
2. Arsenic As A Water Contaminant
Arsenic is one of the most dangerous water pollutants known to man, and it might be lurking in your drinking water.
Arsenic is derived from natural deposits in the earth's crust, and it is transported to your tap via the efforts of mankind's industrial operations.
Erosion from artificial sources such as petroleum, coal plants, and semiconductor manufacturing, as well as animal feed additives and pesticides, all contribute to elevated arsenic levels in the environment's water supply.
This is awful news for you and your family for a variety of reasons, including the following:
When it comes to your health, arsenic is not a friendly opponent. The following are some of the most common negative effects of arsenic exposure:
-
Cancer of the Skin:
-
Cancer of the Bladder
-
Lung cancer
-
Cancer of the Kidney
-
Prostate cancer
In case you haven't noticed, arsenic is associated with the development of cancer. Arsenic also has a negative impact on hormone levels, as well as the cardiovascular and neurological systems, and it can cause major skin issues.
In other words, it makes every effort to cause you trouble. Even a small amount of arsenic (as low as 100 mg) can cause serious arsenic poisoning.
The stomach acts like a sponge, soaking up arsenic and swiftly distributing it throughout the body. The majority of the time, symptoms arise gradually, and it can often take years before someone notices that something is amiss.
While this is going on, arsenic is slowly but steadily eating away at your cells from the inside out.
Arsenic Controls and Regulation
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) eventually battened down the hatches against arsenic in 2001, when it cut the maximum allowable concentration in drinking water from 50 ug/L to 10 ug/L.
So, while water systems are required to have less than 10 ug/L of arsenic, if you want to ensure that your water has zero arsenic, you'll want to invest in an at-home treatment device such as Cloud Filters.
Many local water sources in these locations contain arsenic levels of more than 10 micrograms per liter (ug/L). When it comes to arsenic pollution, the Northeast, Texas, and the Midwest are the worst affected.
Some of the best ways to get rid of arsenic from the body are as follows:
-
Reverse osmosis method
-
Anion exchange resins
-
Distillation techniques
-
Activated Alumina
Recommended: Reverse Osmosis Systems
If you think your tap water is contaminated with arsenic, you should talk to a professional who can test your water and figure out the best way to get rid of it.
3. Bacteria, Viruses, Parasites, and Other Dangerous Microbes As A Water Contaminant
Bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungus, and cysts are all common microorganisms that may be found anywhere, even in your drinking water. They can enter the water system through sewage overflows, wastewater discharges, and runoff from concentrated animal agricultural activities, among other sources. On the other hand, most microbiological illnesses are caused by undercooked or improperly stored food.
Some of these micro-bugs are harmless, while others are useful, and still others can make you sick to your stomach, like:
-
E.coli
-
Giardia
-
Shigella
-
Legionella
-
Salmonella
-
Hepatitis A
-
Cryptosporidium
For example, E. coli is a kind of bacterium that thrives in the intestines of healthy animals and humans. However, in big doses, it might have a detrimental effect on your health.
On the other hand, norovirus is a virus that takes over your cells and there is no quantity of it that is recommended.
Then there are parasites, which are microscopic creepy-crawlies that like to establish a residence in your digestive tract.
Health Effects of Micro-Organisms
For the time being, let us take a deeper look at three of the most prevalent forms of waterborne illnesses: E. coli, giardiasis, and cryptosporidium infections. All three of them can result in digestive issues as well as flu-like symptoms.
Based on a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 5 to 10 percent of infected people have a red blood cell problem that can lead to kidney failure.
The disease is caused by the virus. Diarrhea, stomach discomfort, and fever are some of the other symptoms.
These vile parasites thrive on polluted food and water, which they obtain through contamination. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as tiredness, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, bloating, gas, as well as a loss of appetite and headaches are common in those who have contracted giardiasis following contact with the parasite.
Coined the abbreviation "Crypto" for short, cryptosporidiosis is another parasitic illness that dwells in the digestive tract and is transmitted by feces.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, crypto affects around 750,000 persons every year. Diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps are some of the most common symptoms.
Experts believe that young children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are the ones who are most at risk of contracting an illness.
Microorganisms Control and Regulations
Under the revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR), the health-based requirements for bacteria, viruses, and parasites are set at zero by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The restriction was put in place in 1990 after a number of illness outbreaks occurred as a result of a lack of hazardous microbes in the water supply.
Methods of Treating Microorganisms
The following are examples of physical and chemical disinfection procedures for treating microorganisms in drinking water. These treatment methods are capable of eliminating up to 99.9% of potentially dangerous microbes.
1.The Chlorination Treatment Method
This is the most popular and cost-effective method of killing a large variety of harmful bacteria in a short period of time.
In addition, it helps to make water clearer and gentler by decomposing iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide, among other things. Chlorine, on the other hand, has a bad taste and can cause harm to the stomach lining.
Fortunately, activated carbon filters are capable of removing chlorine from water like it's nothing.
2.The Uv Light Treatment Method
This is a common approach for commercial usage since it effectively destroys unwanted microorganisms without the use of harsh chemicals.
UV treatment method works by illuminating the water with the appropriate amount and intensity of light.
While UV can not remove heavy metals or other impurities from tap water on its own, it may be an excellent complement to any Reverse Osmosis Systems.
The process involves exposing oxygen to a high-voltage electrical current. Manganese, sulfur, and iron are removed from the water as a result of the electrically charged oxygen being used.
Chlorine is just as effective as ozone, but it is more expensive and requires more energy to produce.
Other micro-organism treatment methods include
-
The use of ultrafiltration
-
The use of distillation
-
The use of bromine
-
The use of iodine
4. Barium As A Water Contaminant
Heavy and extremely reactive, barium is one of the most common metals found in the environment. Mineral deposits, drilling waste disposal, copper smelting, and the production of motor vehicle parts are all sources of contamination in the water system that can leach into the water supply.
If you've ever had an X-ray of your digestive system taken, barium is the white liquid that the doctor forced you to consume before the procedure. But, hold on a second, why would your doctor prescribe something so dangerous?
After all is said and done, barium is only harmful in its water-soluble forms. Barium compounds that do not dissolve in water, such as the type used in X-rays, are not detrimental to human health.
In contrast, water-soluble barium compounds are harmful tap water pollutants that can cause a variety of unpleasant side effects, including:
-
Breathing difficulty
-
Frequent high blood pressure.
-
Irregular heartbeat
-
Stomach aches and pains
-
Muscle sluggishness
-
Swelling of the brain
-
Damage to the liver, kidneys, heart, and spleen
Recently published animal research, for example, came to the conclusion that "although the barium-induced elevation in the blood pressure of rats was slight, equivalent mild hypertension in humans might have significant health consequences."
Barium Controls and Regulations
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a maximum barium concentration in drinking water of 2.0 mg/L based on these animal studies and the power granted by the Safe Water Drinking Act.
But the World Health Organization (WHO) is of the opposite opinion, recommending a maximum threshold of only 0.07 mg/L, which is less than half of the EPA's recommendations for exposure.
So the issue is, who can you put your faith in? Which is more important: the Environmental Protection Agency, the World Health Organization, or you?
The following are the most effective techniques for eliminating barium from drinking water:
-
Reverse osmosis systems.
-
The exchange of ions
-
Distillation
Recommended: Reverse Osmosis Systems
The ion resins are used to remove barium from water and make it easier to drink by replacing calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions, which makes the water taste better.
Remineralization is a process that takes place after a filter removes calcium and magnesium from the water. This process helps the water contain a healthy amount of these important elements again.
5. Cadmium As A Water Contaminant
Cadmium, along with other heavy metals such as lead, zinc, and copper, is released into the environment during volcanic activity. Under normal circumstances, cadmium does not pose a risk to the water supply. However, mining and industrial waste can leach dangerous amounts of the metal into surface waterways.
The following are examples of common sources of cadmium in the water supply:
-
Mining activities
-
Natural and organic deposits .
-
Wastes from metal refineries.
-
Corrosion caused by certain galvanized pipes
-
Contamination due to the use of certain fertilizers
-
Battery waste and paint production runoff.
Cadmium ingestion can result in a number of short-term health problems, including but not limited to the following:
-
Nausea
-
Vomiting
-
Diarrhea
-
Muscle cramps.
-
Convulsions
-
Damage to the liver, kidneys, blood, and bones
Regular cadmium exposure, on the other hand, has the potential to cause liver, kidney, blood, and bone damage. In order for cadmium levels to have a negative effect, they must be very high compared to the maximum level that can be safe.
Cadmium Controls and Regulations
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established acceptable limits for cadmium levels in drinking water at 0.005 mg/L.
At concentrations of 0.01 mg/kg/day or below, no adverse health consequences have been observed, despite the fact that this is far higher than the legal limit.
Drinking water levels of 0.04 mg/L are typically regarded as acceptable for short-term consumption, while 0.005 mg/L is generally considered safe for long-term exposure.
With a restriction of 0.005 mg/L, the government may appear to be taking precautionary measures, but we still don't know what the long-term effects of exposure may be on the development of malignancies.
Because of the severe short-term adverse effects that cadmium may cause, it is advised to avoid this poisonous mineral at all costs.
The following are the most effective methods of removing cadmium from drinking water:
-
Reverse osmosis system. Recommended: Reverse Osmosis Systems
-
The exchange of ions
-
Distillation
-
Coagulation/filtration
-
Lime softening agents
Reverse Osmosis Systemss may lower high quantities of cadmium ions by 92-98 percent when used in conjunction with other methods.
However, in order to completely eliminate cadmium from the environment, a slew of various treatments must be used. But luckily, Aqua NU Reverse Osmosis Systems, on the other hand, have all of the most effective water technologies.
6. Chlorine And Chloramine As A Water Contaminant.
The water supply is treated with chlorine and chloramine by the government in order to kill hazardous germs. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established limitations for all potentially dangerous compounds.
However, in order to get past these restrictions, many municipal water systems have shifted to a chemical that is comparable to chlorine, known as chloramine.
Health Effects of Chlorine and Chloramine
According to the latest scientific evidence, drinking modest doses of chloramine does not appear to have any negative consequences. It's still not clear how these actions will affect people for years or decades to come.
Chlorine, on the other hand, has been shown to be harmful to one's overall health. In water, chlorine reacts with organic molecules to generate trihalomethanes, which are byproducts of the reaction (THMs).
Researchers believe that these toxic byproducts of chlorine are responsible for the majority of the negative consequences of the chemical. Long-term exposure to THMs has been linked to an increased risk of cancer as well as problems in the birthing process for infants.
There is some evidence that THMs may be to blame for anywhere from 2% to 17% of bladder cancer cases in the United States. Furthermore, if THMs are added to the dialysis water of people who have kidney failure, it could cause major blood problems.
Chlorine And Chloramine Controls And Regulations
The Environmental Protection Agency has set a maximum limit of 0.08 mg/L for chlorine byproducts in the water.
Chloramine levels in drinking water must be between 1.0 mg/L and 4.0 mg/L in order to be considered acceptable. In the United States, about one in every five people uses tap water that includes chloramine pollutants.
Methods of Treating Chlorine and Chloramine
Chloramines are hard to get out of water through reverse osmosis, distillation, and ion exchange resins, but they can be done using an alternative means.
Fortunately, activated carbon is quite effective. In addition, carbon filtration not only protects against health dangers but also enhances the flavor and odor of the water you drink.
7. Copper As Water Contaminant
When taken in tiny dosages, copper is a beneficial element, but when taken in high quantities, it is detrimental. Copper is commonly used in industry to create electrical lines, and it can contaminate your water supply if it is discharged into the environment.
Copper salts, on the other hand, are frequently employed to suppress algae growth in reservoirs. What's really problematic is that copper is a prevalent plumbing material, and corroded pipes have the potential to seep into drinking water.
Copper is required by adults in amounts of approximately 2 mg per day in order to strengthen connective tissues and heal damage to the heart and arteries. Under any circumstances, there is no way to consume more than 12 mg per day for men and 10 mg per day for women. Copper poisoning can result from large doses of copper.
Copper poisoning manifests itself in the following ways:
-
Diarrhea
-
Vomiting
-
Nausea
-
Stomach aches and pains
-
Muscle spasms in the abdomen
Copper poisoning can result in anemia, liver toxicity, and kidney failure in extreme cases, according to the CDC. Copper concentrations ranging from 2.8 mg/L to 7.8 mg/L have been shown to cause vomiting and diarrhea.
According to research, cupro-sensitivity is higher in youngsters than in adults, on average. The presence of high copper levels in the water could cause your infant to have diarrhea or vomit quickly after drinking their formula.
Several copper outbreaks were documented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the 1990s, including one in Florida where 37 people became ill after drinking smoothies made with tainted tap water, according to the CDC. At the time of the occurrence, copper levels in the pipes were measured to be 3.6 mg/L.
Copper Controls and Regulations
Copper concentrations in drinking water are limited to 1.3 mg/L by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Unless they are able to assure the public that at least 90% of the households they serve do not exceed this limit, municipal utilities are required to warn the public.
The following are the most effective methods of removing copper pollutants from your tap water:
-
Reverse osmosis system.
-
Distillation method
-
using ion exchange
Recommended: Reverse Osmosis Systems
Cupola and other toxins are removed from the water with ion exchange resins, which soften the water and make the water better to drink and less acidic.
When copper contamination is caused by corroded pipes, there is a risk of lead poisoning in the environment. As a result, you'll also need to use reverse osmosis to purify your water in order to remove the lead.
NU Aqua Systems Replacement Filters use ion exchange resins and reverse osmosis system to remove all heavy metals, including lead and copper, from the water, so it tastes better.
8. Fluoride as a Water Contaminant
Fluoride is most commonly found in toothpaste and drinking water. Fluoride exposure has been increasing steadily for the past 45 years or more. Why?
Because the government supplies it to the municipal water supply as either hydrofluosilicic acid, sodium silicofluoride, sodium fluoride, or a combination of these substances. Often, too much fluoride is added to the water supply because of bad equipment or not enough monitoring.
Low amounts of fluoride have been demonstrated to be effective in preventing cavities; but, moderate-to-high levels of fluoride have been linked to a number of unpleasant side effects...
The detrimental effects of fluoride begin to manifest themselves at fluoride concentrations of around 2 mg/L. Fluoride can cause discoloration and disfigurement of children's teeth at this time. A chalky white appearance can be seen on certain people's teeth in certain situations.
The ingestion of 4 mg/L of fluoride over an extended period of time can result in skeletal fluorosis, a condition in which the bones become exceedingly thick, hard, and brittle. This illness, which is also known as "marble bones," may be devastating in extreme cases.
In addition, studies have shown that fluoride might lead to memory problems and other cognitive delays in young children, which is particularly concerning.
Fluoride Controls And Regulations
Fluoride levels in drinking water should not exceed 0.08 mg/day per kilogram of body weight, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. According to federal regulations, 4.0 mg/L of fluoride is the upper limit for fluoride in drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
To prevent tooth decay, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which supervises the national fluoridation program, recommends a fluoride content of 0.7 mg/L.
When it comes to fluoride restrictions, the powers that be are a little all over the country, and it may be time to treat your water yourself.
The following are the most commonly used fluoride removal methods:
-
Reverse osmosis System
-
Distillation method
-
Activated alumina absorption method
-
Anion exchange method
-
Bone charcoal method
Water treatment systems using alumina absorption are utilized for big municipal systems, but Reverse Osmosis System(RO) is the best option for at-home water purification. Fortunately, most high-quality RO systems can remove up to 95% of fluoride from your drinking water supply.
Recommended: Reverse Osmosis Systems
On the other hand, bone charcoal and ion exchange are two more effective methods of removing fluoride from drinking water.
9. Lead As A Water Contaminant.
Lead is a notoriously hazardous element, and it's possible that it's lurking in your drinking water right now. Damaged pipes, service lines, and brass fixtures are responsible for the majority of the lead poisoning detected in drinking water. .
This is exactly what happened in Flint, Michigan, when deteriorating lead pipes exposed 140,000 people to lead poisoning, resulting in an estimated 6,000 to 12,000 instances of the disease. In addition, the incident prompted an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease, which resulted in the deaths of 12 persons.
The following are possible side effects of lead exposure:
-
Loss of weight
-
Vomiting
-
Convulsions
-
Irritability
-
Discomfort in the stomach
-
Coma
-
Constipation
-
Damage to the brain
-
inability to hear properly.
-
Children's bone development is being stunted.
-
Kidney, bone marrow, and red blood cell damage.
Children are at the greatest danger, particularly when it comes to the consequences on the neurological system and other organs. It is possible to experience side effects even at blood levels as low as 10 micrograms per deciliter (g/dL).
Children can lose as much as 2 IQ points when exposed to this level of lead exposure, which is shocking. Children, as opposed to adults, can absorb up to 75 percent of the lead they consume. Adults only absorb approximately 11 percent of the lead they consume.
The majority of the time, lead exposure manifests itself in the absence of any early warning symptoms, and it can steadily deteriorate your health over time..
The Environmental Protection Agency has imposed a zero-tolerance level for lead in drinking water. The Safe Drinking Water Act, on the other hand, mandates the installation of lead-free plumbing in all new residential and commercial buildings. There is, however, a snag here...
New plumbing items that are labeled "lead-free" can still have trace amounts of the heavy metal in them (up to 0.2 percent lead), while pipes and fittings with up to 8 percent lead were also regarded as "lead-free" until 2013.
However, pipes that were made before 1986 are the most dangerous, because they often contain up to 50 percent lead.
Four Lead removal techniques that have proven to be very effective include the following:
-
Reverse osmosis systems
-
Cation exchange.
-
precoated Adsorption filters.
-
Distillation
To completely remove lead from a surface, you must attack it with all of your might. Adsorption and distillation may be used to remove lead from water, while reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and adsorption can be used to remove lead from sediment.
Adsorption and fine filtering can be used to remove lead from sediment. Reverse osmosis is extremely effective because it can remove up to 95% of soluble lead while also acting as a barrier to lead that has become lodged in sediment. Reverse osmosis is also quite inexpensive.
10. Mercury as a Water Contaminant
Mercury is regarded as the founding father of the environmental contaminant movement. In nature, it reacts with carbon to form a variety of mercury compounds, including methyl mercury, which is the most common.
In soil and fish, methyl mercury may be detected; in water, mercuric salt compounds are present; and in the atmosphere, metallic mercury can be detected as a vapor that moves through the air.
Mercury is utilized in the production of light bulbs, batteries, thermometers, and dental fillings, as well as in the formulation of several antiseptic lotions and ointments, among other things.
Mercury is naturally produced in small amounts by the earth's crust, but an additional 20 tons are released each year as a result of industrial runoff and the burning of fossil fuels.
Mercury has the ability to move fast through the atmosphere, overseas, and around the world, finally ending up in bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and drinking water.
Mercury exposure is most commonly caused by dental fillings and other medical treatments, which are the most prevalent causes.
Additionally, direct water pollution is a critical public health concern that should not be overlooked. Because mercury vapors go directly to the brain, inhaling mercury vapors is the most deadly kind of mercury exposure.
Mercury toxicity in fish, on the other hand, is the most serious worry. As mercury moves up the food chain, it becomes more concentrated, and eventually becomes toxic.
Mercury, when it gets into your body, can have a lot of bad effects, like:
-
Irritability
-
Shyness
-
Tremors
-
Problems with recalling information
-
Damage to the brain that lasts a lifetime
-
Disabilities in vision and hearing
-
Damage to newborns when they are still in the womb
Even brief exposure to low amounts of mercury toxicity in drinking water can harm the kidneys, although there is little evidence linking mercury to cancer.
Mercury Controls and Regulations
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a maximum limit for mercury in drinking water at 0.002 mg/L. When mercury levels grow beyond this threshold, the likelihood of kidney damage occurring increases.
Mercury levels can be lowered by a variety of methods, such as
-
The reverse osmosis method.
-
Distillation
-
Ion exchange
-
Activated carbon.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, mercury may be removed from water using a mix of reverse osmosis and activated carbon, with the remaining mercury being removed using specific kinds of ion exchange resins.
NU Aqua System Filters use all three of these treatment processes in order to get the greatest amount of mercury reduction possible.
11. Nitrates as a Water Contaminant
Nitrates and nitrites are the most frequent inorganic man-made water contaminants, and they are also the most toxic. Human sewage and livestock manure are the two most significant sources of nitrates and nitrites in the water supply.
Fertilizers, including potassium nitrate and ammonium nitrate, which are widely used and are a major cause of pollution, are another important source of contamination.
Do you want to make a guess as to which region of the country has the worst nitrate situation? Well, your guess is as good as mine. Nebraska! Right?
By a long way, this agriculturally based state has one of the worst rates of groundwater pollution in the United States of America. But, to be honest, any agriculturally based state may be more prone to groundwater pollution.
When it comes to nitrate pollution, babies are the ones who are most at risk. A blood condition in babies known as methemoglobinemia can be caused by the presence of nitrate poisons in drinking water, which is also known as "blue baby syndrome.
" Nitrogen nitrates cause newborns to turn blue because they interfere with the oxygen-carrying ability of their blood.
Fortunately, this is a condition that can be readily corrected. The majority of cases occur in infants under the age of six months. However, exceptionally high amounts have been related to central nervous system diseases, which is why adults are generally considered safe.
Nitrate Controls and Regulations
The Environmental Protection Agency has set a maximum limit of 10.0 mg/L for nitrates and nitrites in drinking water. Infant methemoglobinemia and nervous system abnormalities should not be a concern if the amount is kept below this threshold.
The following are the most effective methods of eliminating nitrates from drinking water:
-
The reverse osmosis method
-
Electrodialysis
-
Ion exchange
-
Distillation
Recommended: Reverse Osmosis Systems
According to the research, reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and distillation are the most effective methods for purifying water at home.
Using Reverse Osmosis Systems with a pump, nitrates may be reduced by up to 95%, and nitrate-selective ion exchange cartridges can be used as efficient nitrate polishers. The good news is that NU Aqua Systems has you covered on all fronts, including the environment.
12. Uranium As A Water Contaminant
Uranium is a radioactive material that may be found in nature in rocks, soil, air, and water, among other places. It can enter the water system by leaching from soil and rocks, but nuclear waste is the most significant cause of pollution in the water supply.
Experts say that long-term uranium exposure can result in kidney damage as well as an increased chance of developing cancer.
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, both human and animal research have shown that uranium can cause respiratory disorders such as fibrosis and emphysema, among other things. The vast majority of these patients, on the other hand, are uranium miners and mill workers.
Uranium Control and Regulations
The Environmental Protection Agency has established a maximum uranium concentration in drinking water of 0.030 mg/L. Above this maximum line, you might start noticing things like kidney damage and cancer.
The following are examples of potential treatment methods for eliminating uranium from drinking water:
-
Reverse osmosis (RO)
-
Distillation
-
anion exchange resins
Recommended: Reverse Osmosis Systems
These treatment methods can get uranium levels down to levels below the Environmental Protection Agency's limit of 0.030 mg/L, which is how much the agency says is safe.
13. Radium As A Water Contaminant
Radium is a result of the radioactive decay of uranium and thorium, and it is used in nuclear weapons. Even though radium exists naturally in rocks and soil, nuclear power plants are responsible for the vast majority of the radium that winds up in drinking water.
When you compare deep water wells to surface water, deep water wells tend to have more radium than surface water.
Radium emits energy in the form of gamma rays and alpha particles, and exposure to this kind of energy can result in the development of any of the following health conditions:
-
Cancer
-
Kidney Disorder
-
womb defects .
In fact, radium is so carcinogenic that it is the second most common cause of lung cancer, which is most common in cigarette smokers.
Radium Controls And Regulations
The Safe Drinking Water Act has a maximum contamination limit goal of zero contaminants in drinking water.
The following are the most effective treatment techniques for eliminating radium contamination from tap water:
-
Reverse osmosis systems.
-
Distillation
-
Softening by cation exchange
-
Lime softening agents
Radium may be removed via ion exchange procedures, as well as other minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Reverse osmosis and distillation are other useful means of removing contaminants from the environment.
However, only a few reverse osmosis systems are approved by independent testing agencies to remove radium, and the NU Aqua Systems Reverse Osmosis technology is one of those filtrations recommended.
14. Selenium As A Water Contaminant.
Selenium is a potent antioxidant that, when consumed in sufficient quantities, can help prevent cancer. However, if taken in excessive amounts, it might have a number of undesirable side effects.
Many electronic gadgets, including photocopiers and other electronic devices, are made of selenium compounds. According to state records, large levels of selenium were discharged into the water system in Utah between 1987 and 1993 as a result of copper smelting activities.
Selenium may be found in a variety of foods, including Brazil nuts, that can help protect cells against oxidation and inflammation. Human beings, on the other hand, are only built to metabolize trace quantities of selenium in their bodies.
When excessive concentrations of selenium seep into the drinking water supply, it can have negative health consequences for the public's well-being.
The following are some of the most common negative symptoms of selenium toxicity:
-
Fatigue
-
Irritability
-
Damage to the nervous system
-
Hair Damage
-
Fingernail damage
People who have a lot of selenium in their bodies all their lives could have kidney, liver, and heart problems.
Selenium Controls and Regulations
The Environmental Protection Agency has set a maximum level of 0.05 mg/L for selenium in drinking water. If the quantity of selenium in your water exceeds this limit, your water supplier is required to tell you.
The World Health Organization, on the other hand, proposes a lower limit of 0.04 mg/L, which is somewhat lower than the current standard. Signs of selenium poisoning might appear as early as 0.7 mg or more of selenium per day.
The following are the most effective techniques for eliminating selenium from drinking water:
-
The reverse osmosis method.
-
Alumina adsorption on an activated method
-
Anion exchange method
-
Distillation
Anion exchange and alumina adsorption can remove up to 95 percent of selenium, whereas distillation can remove up to 98 percent and reverse osmosis can remove up to 90 percent of selenium, respectively.
Selenium levels in your water can be reduced by NU Aqua Systems water Filters, which are one of several home treatment systems that have been approved by third-party groups.
15. Silver As A Water Contaminant
Silver may be beneficial to your money account, but it is detrimental to your health. Natural sources of silver, according to scientific evidence, do not pose any health risks to humans. Silver, on the other hand, which is utilized in certain carbon-containing filters to kill germs, has been linked to adverse health consequences.
Silver, whether swallowed or absorbed via the skin, can cause your organs, skin, and hair to turn a metallic grey hue when consumed or absorbed through the skin. S
o, if you don't want to end up looking like the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz, it's advisable not to ingest silver in large quantities. Lucky for us, it's just an aesthetic issue. It doesn't have an effect on organ function in any way.
Silver Controls and Regulations
Because silver does not pose any significant health hazards other than coloring, the Environmental Protection Agency has not established any enforceable limitations for silver in drinking water.
They do, however, urge that levels be kept below 0.10 mg/L at all times. Skin, hair, and organ discoloration are possible at levels higher than this.
The following are the most effective techniques for eliminating silver from drinking water:
-
Reverse osmosis systems
-
Cation exchange
-
distillation
With Reverse Osmosis, silver concentration can be reduced by up to 90% and distillation can be reduced by up to 98 percent.
What Is The Most Common Contaminant In Drinking Water?
The three most common contaminants in drinking water are microorganisms, nitrate, and arsenic. They're the most common pollutants found in drinking water supplies.
In the past two decades, there has been a great improvement in water quality monitoring in the country, but the presence of microorganisms, nitrate and arsenic remains in drinking water.
The presence of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa (such as Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium) in drinking water can result in widespread and deadly infections in a short period of time.
Microorganisms that cause this problem are typically found in human or animal waste that is washed into lakes and rivers or that is carried into shallow groundwater aquifers by rain or irrigation water.
What Are The Types Of Contamination?
There are four major types of contamination, and they are chemical, microbiological, physical, and allergenic. Chemical contamination is the most common type of all.
All food is susceptible to infection by these four categories of contamination.
Therefore, food handlers have a legal obligation to make sure that the food they prepare is free of harmful pollutants and safe for consumption by the general public.
Contamination of food is extremely harmful. Dietary contamination can result in everything from illness to death. To prevent food contamination from impacting the safety of food, it is important that you understand the four types of contamination and how to prevent them from occurring.
How Does Water Get Contaminated?
There are various ways in which water may become contaminated. They include biological contaminants such as bacteria and parasites, which enter the water through human or animal excrement and can be found in the water.
Chemicals from industrial waste or crop spraying can be found in this waste stream. It is possible for nitrates, which are used in fertilizers, to infiltrate the water supply through runoff from the land.
The water supply can get contaminated with a variety of minerals, such as lead or mercury, which might come from natural deposits beneath or, more commonly, through inappropriate waste disposal. Through the use of ancient lead pipes, lead may seep into drinking water.
Does Boiling Tap Water Remove All The Contaminants?
No, only sediments and bacteria may be removed from water by boiling it. Hence, hazardous elements such as chlorine and lead from tap water will not be removed by boiling water.
Furthermore, boiling tap water that has lead in it makes the pollutant more concentrated, which makes it more dangerous than if the water was left to stand at room temperature.
Is Boiled Water Better Than RO Water?
The simple answer is "NO!" Boiling can remove only bacteria present in water but cannot remove toxic waste and chemicals. On the other hand, RO water purification technology can remove more than 95% of metal and chemical waste from water.
Recommended: Reverse Osmosis Systems
