Why is it Important to Filter out Contaminants?Updated 2 months ago
Filtering out contaminants from water is critical for safeguarding human health and the environment. Here’s why effectively removing specific contaminants matters:
Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFAS)
PFOA, PFOS, PFNA
Percent Reduction: >95% for all
Why It Matters: PFAS are extremely persistent environmental pollutants used in various industrial applications. They are associated with several health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and immune system disruption. Due to their persistence, effectively removing these chemicals is crucial for protecting health.
Microplastics
Percent Reduction: >99%
Initial Concentration: 100 pieces/L, each piece larger than 2 µg
Why It Matters: Microplastics have become a significant concern in recent years, with their presence in the world's water bodies growing. They can absorb toxins and transport them through water systems, posing risks to aquatic life and potentially entering the human food chain.
Pathogens
Clostridium, eColi, Enterococcus, Microbial Cysts
Reduction: Ranges from 80-95%
Challenge Concentration: 100 UFC / 100ml
Impact: These bacteria and cysts can cause severe gastrointestinal illnesses and other infections. Effective removal through filtration is essential to prevent waterborne diseases.
Chemical Parameters
Cyanide
Reduction: 95%
Challenge Concentration: 50 μg
Impact: Cyanide can cause acute toxicity and can be lethal. Its presence in water supplies, even at low concentrations, is a serious health hazard.
Fluoride
Reduction: 70-90%
Challenge Concentration: 1.5 mg/L
Impact: While fluoride is added for dental health benefits, excessive intake can lead to dental and skeletal fluorosis.
Mercury and Nitrate Compounds
Mercury
Percent Reduction: 90%
Initial Concentration: 1 µg/L
Why It Matters: Mercury is extremely toxic, primarily affecting the neurological system and kidneys. It is a pervasive environmental contaminant that can accumulate in the food chain, particularly in fish, posing serious health risks when consumed.
Nitrites and Nitrates
Percent Reduction: 70%
Initial Concentration: 0.1 mg/L for Nitrites and 50 mg/L for Nitrates
Why It Matters: Nitrites and nitrates can convert into nitrosamines in the body, which are potent carcinogens. They are particularly problematic in agricultural regions due to runoff from fertilizers. Reducing these compounds in drinking water helps prevent a range of health issues, including methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome) in infants.
Metals
Aluminum, Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Copper, and Iron
Percent Reduction: Ranges from 50% for Arsenic to 90% for Aluminum and others
Impact:
- Aluminum and Barium: Although generally less toxic, high concentrations can affect the nervous system and heart.
- Antimony and Cadmium: Known carcinogens, these metals can cause severe lung and kidney damage.
- Arsenic: A potent carcinogen, causing skin lesions, cancers, and cardiovascular diseases.
- Copper and Iron: While essential minerals, excessive amounts can cause gastrointestinal distress and other metabolic disruptions.
Lead, Manganese, Nickel, Selenium, and Zinc
Reduction Ranges: 80% to 95%
- Why It Matters:
- Lead is extremely toxic, particularly to children, affecting cognitive development and causing neurological damage.
- Manganese in high concentrations can affect brain health, leading to behavior and learning problems.
- Nickel and Selenium can cause skin rashes, lung inflammation, and other respiratory issues when present in high levels.
- Zinc, while essential in small amounts, can be harmful in excess, causing stomach cramps, skin irritations, and anemia.
Chlorine Bi-Products and HAAs
1,2 Dichloromethane, Trichloroethylene, Tetrachloroethylene, Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
- Reduction: 95% for most, effectively minimizing these potent contaminants.
- Why It Matters:
- Chlorine bi-products such as TTHMs and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are known carcinogens and have been linked to reproductive issues and liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage.
- Haloacetic acids (HAAs) are also linked to cancer and can cause problems during pregnancy, including low birth weight and fetal development issues.
Pesticides
Chlordane, Chlordecone, Heptachlor, Lindane
- Reduction: 95% for all listed pesticides.
- Why It Matters: These pesticides are not only toxic to humans; causing a range of health issues from acute poisoning to long-term carcinogenic effects; but they also devastate wildlife, particularly aquatic organisms and birds.
Herbicides
2,4-D and Atrazine
- Percent Reduction: >95%
- Initial Concentrations: 70 µg/L and 3 µg/L respectively
- Why It Matters: Herbicides like 2,4-D and Atrazine are widely used in agriculture and can contaminate water through runoff. They are known to disrupt endocrine function in humans and wildlife and are linked to various health issues including reproductive problems.
Pharmaceuticals
Atenolol, Carbamazepine, Estrone, Meprobamat, Trimethoprim
- Percent Reduction: >95% for all listed
- Why It Matters: Pharmaceuticals in water supplies can come from various sources including prescription waste and excretion. They pose significant risks such as antibiotic resistance, hormonal disruption, and long-term health effects in both humans and aquatic organisms.