El mercado estadounidense de purificadores de agua está en plena expansión. De acuerdo con el United States Water Purifier Market Report 2025–2033 publicado por Research and Markets, este sector crecerá de 17.3 mil millones de dólares en 2024 a 29.7 mil millones en 2033, con una tasa anual compuesta de 6.2 %.

Este crecimiento no es casualidad. Está impulsado por tres grandes factores:

• Mayor conciencia sobre la calidad del agua y los riesgos sanitarios asociados.

• Avances tecnológicos que mejoran la eficacia y comodidad de los equipos.

• Un consumidor más consciente del medio ambiente y la sostenibilidad.

1. La preocupación por contaminantes como el plomo y las PFAS impulsa la demanda

Estados como California, Nueva York y Nueva Jersey lideran la adopción de sistemas de purificación avanzados. La creciente preocupación por contaminantes persistentes como las PFAS (“químicos para siempre”), el plomo y el cloro ha hecho que millones de hogares busquen soluciones más confiables.

Crisis como la de Flint, Michigan, y las advertencias de la EPA sobre presencia de PFAS en una de cada diez redes de agua potable, han cambiado la percepción del consumidor. Hoy, los hogares estadounidenses son más proactivos y optan por tecnologías de ósmosis inversa (RO), luz ultravioleta (UV) y carbón activado granular (GAC).

2. Salud, bienestar y sostenibilidad

El agua purificada se percibe como una pieza clave de un estilo de vida saludable. Evita enfermedades gastrointestinales, mejora la hidratación y reduce la exposición a metales pesados y microorganismos.

Además, los consumidores buscan reducir el uso de botellas plásticas, lo que posiciona a los purificadores domésticos como una alternativa sostenible. Esto conecta directamente con políticas recientes del gobierno estadounidense, como el plan de conservación hídrica del Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, que destina más de 140 millones de dólares para proyectos que ahorren más de 77 mil millones de galones de agua al año.

3. Innovación tecnológica: purificadores inteligentes y ecológicos

El avance tecnológico está transformando el mercado. Los nuevos purificadores integran sensores inteligentes, monitoreo IoT y aplicaciones móviles que informan la calidad del agua en tiempo real o alertan sobre el reemplazo de filtros.

Marcas como Amway, AO Smith, Honeywell y Pentair apuestan por equipos más eficientes y sostenibles. Destaca el lanzamiento del eSpring Water Purifier, que utiliza LED UV-C para eliminar el 99.99 % de microorganismos y microplásticos, con 25 % menos consumo energético y una vida útil prolongada.

4. Desafíos: costo y desconocimiento

A pesar del crecimiento sostenido, persisten barreras: los costos iniciales y de mantenimiento limitan la adopción en segmentos medios y rurales. Además, muchos consumidores aún desconocen las ventajas de los sistemas de purificación avanzada frente a los filtros básicos o al agua embotellada.

El reto será educar al mercado, generar confianza y destacar los beneficios de largo plazo: salud, ahorro y sostenibilidad.

5. Oportunidad para empresas del sector del agua

Este crecimiento del mercado estadounidense refleja una tendencia global: la necesidad de tecnologías confiables y sostenibles de tratamiento de agua.
Para empresas como Carbotecnia, especializadas en carbón activado y soluciones de filtración, representa una oportunidad para colaborar con fabricantes de purificadores y desarrolladores de sistemas que integren materiales más eficientes, reciclables y con menor huella ambiental.

La combinación de adsorción avanzada, regeneración sostenible y digitalización en equipos domésticos e industriales marcará el rumbo del mercado durante la próxima década.

Fuente:
Research and Markets (24 de octubre de 2025). United States Water Purifier Market Report 2025–2033: Technology, Distribution Channel, End User, Key States and Company Analysis. Disponible en: https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/7yeigj

La entrada El mercado de purificadores de agua en Estados Unidos crece con fuerza se publicó primero en Carbotecnia.

The filtration and purification market is going through a key moment following the announcement that Solventum – aspin-off from 3M (Spinoff) – sold its Purification and Filtration business to Thermo Fisher Scientific for US$4.1 billion. This milestone, officially announced on February 25, 2025, is shaping up to be one of the most relevant transactions in the life sciences and bioprocess sector in recent years. At Carbotecnia, as specialists in water treatment and filtration solutions, we are interested in analyzing how this operation redesigns the industrial landscape and what opportunities it offers to manufacturers, distributors, laboratories and end consumers.

First, Thermo Fisher acquires a widely recognized portfolio of purification products and technologies with applications in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing, industrial process control and research laboratories. By integrating this new offering into its already strong bioproduction portfolio, the company strengthens its leadership in the biotech drug manufacturing value chain. The combination of these technologies is expected to boost efficiency in critical production stages, both upstream (cell culture, fermentation) and downstream (clarification, concentration, protein purification), which are essential for the development of monoclonal antibodies, vaccines and other cutting-edge biological products.

From Solventum’s perspective, the decision to divest this segment responds to the need to strategically focus the rest of its business lines in the healthcare sector (such as medical devices, clinical information technology and dental products). Following its corporate separation from 3M, Solventum inherited several healthcare-related segments and took on significant debt in the process. By selling the filtration and purification division, it gains fresh resources to clean up its balance sheet, reduce leverage and focus on developing its core portfolio. Although it will lose a profitable business – valued at close to US$1 billion in annual revenues – the transaction will allow it to consolidate its position in other segments where it seeks to gain relevance and differentiation.

For Thermo Fisher, adding this business is a strategic move. The company will be able to offer comprehensive solutions for biopharmaceutical production: from reagents, culture media and single-use devices to advanced filtration and purification systems. This breadth reinforces the value proposition that Thermo Fisher provides to laboratories, biotech, pharmaceutical and food companies that require high standards of quality and performance. In turn, the integration of Solventum’s technical teams and expertise will strengthen Thermo Fisher’s innovation base, enhancing synergies for the development of more efficient and scalable solutions.

But what does this mean for the filtration and purification sector in general? In the short term, we could see a process of further consolidation, as other medical technology and bioprocessing firms will want to remain competitive in an increasingly integrated market. In the medium term, capital inflows and momentum from large corporations could accelerate the emergence of smart filtration systems, high-performance membranes and more sustainable solutions. We will also see potential improvements in after-sales service and technical support, crucial elements when dealing with such sensitive processes as biopharmaceutical production or industrial water treatment.

For Carbotecnia, as a supplier and consultant specializing in filtration and water treatment, these moves reaffirm the importance of having reliable partners and cutting-edge technologies that meet strict international quality standards. It also opens up the opportunity to engage with customers who may require more specific solutions, given the likely increase in safety and efficiency standards. Similarly, Thermo Fisher’s expansion can streamline the availability of state-of-the-art products, facilitating critical processes and helping to reduce costs throughout the supply chain.

In summary, the sale of Solventum’s Purification and Filtration business to Thermo Fisher for $4.1 billion is not only a major financial deal. It is also a game changer in the global filtration industry, with effects that will be felt both in the development of cutting-edge technologies and in the search for reliable solutions for a broad spectrum of applications. As Thermo Fisher strengthens its leadership in life sciences, Solventum is redoubling its efforts in other healthcare segments. And we at Carbotecnia will remain attentive to these changes, ready to offer specialized knowledge, the highest quality products and technical advice focused on productivity and innovation. In an environment where efficiency and safety are increasingly non-negotiable, anticipating the future has never been more important.

La entrada Sale of Solventum’s purification and filtration unit to Thermo Fisher se publicó primero en Carbotecnia.

Introduction

Activated carbon impregnated with sodium permanganate has become a key solution in the filtration of toxic gases and volatile organic pollutants (VOCs). Its ability to oxidize hazardous molecules makes it ideal for industrial, healthcare and food preservation applications.

In Mexico, potassium permanganate has been restricted because of its use in the manufacture of illicit drugs, which has prompted the adoption of sodium permanganate as an efficient and safe alternative.

In the following, we will explore its main applications and advantages.

What is activated carbon impregnated with sodium permanganate?

Activated carbon is a highly porous material used in the adsorption of gases and organic compounds of low molecular weight, which a standard activated carbon does not adsorb. When impregnated with sodium permanganate (NaMnO₄), its oxidation capacity improves, allowing it to efficiently remove undesirable substances such as:

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and isopropyl alcohol.
• Gas contaminants in vents and enclosed spaces.
• Ethylene, delaying the ripening of stored fruits.

Main applications activated carbon impregnated with sodium permanganate

1⃣ Respirators and cartridge masks

Activated carbon impregnated with sodium permanganate is used in industrial face masks and respiratory protection systems to remove harmful gases in:

Chemical laboratories.
Areas of focus: alcohols, alkenes.
Factories with exposure to organic gases.

Key Fact: Potassium permanganate was previously used in Mexico, but its regulation led to the adoption of sodium permanganate, which maintains the same efficacy without legal restrictions.

2⃣ Treatment of gaseous pollutants in enclosed spaces

In ventilation and air treatment systems, activated carbon with sodium permanganate is used to capture and remove

Formaldehyde (present in furniture, adhesives and construction materials).
Isopropyl alcohol and solvents.
Odors in hospitals and laboratories.

Example: In hospitals and clinics, it is used to prevent exposure of patients and workers to noxious gases.

3⃣ Warehouse purification and distribution of fresh fruits and foods

Gases such as ethylene accelerate ripening of fruits and vegetables in storage and transport. Activated carbon impregnated with sodium permanganate helps to absorb ethylene, prolonging the shelf life of foods.

Benefits:
Avoids premature ripening in cold storage.
Reduces food waste.
Improves quality in the distribution of fresh products.

Example: Food logistics companies use it in refrigerated containers to avoid overexposure to ethylene.

Sodium permanganate vs. potassium permanganate: Differences and regulation

Until a few years ago, potassium permanganate was used in Mexico for the impregnation of activated carbon. However, due to its use in the manufacture of illicit drugs, it was classified as a controlled precursor chemical, limiting its commercialization and use.

Why is sodium permanganate used now?
Same oxidation capacity.
It is not subject to legal restrictions in Mexico.
Safe and effective in industrial and commercial applications.

Carvapox: Carbotecnia’s Solution

At Carbotecnia, the Carvapox product is an effective alternative based on activated carbon impregnated with sodium permanganate, designed for:

• Air purification in industrial spaces.
• Filtration in respirators and masks.
• Protection of stored food.

? For more information, see Carvapox at Carbotecnia.

How can we help you?

Activated carbon impregnated with sodium permanganate is a key solution in the control of gaseous contaminants, respiratory protection and food preservation. In Mexico, it has replaced potassium permanganate due to its regulation, maintaining the same efficiency without legal restrictions. Contact us for advice on the choice and application of the right activated carbon for your processes.

La entrada Activated carbon impregnated with Potassium or Sodium Permanganate se publicó primero en Carbotecnia.

Advanced solutions for adsorption and neutralization of acid gases

At Carbotecnia, we offer industrial solutions with our specialized product: VAPACID activated carbon, designed for effective adsorption of acid gases such as hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and mercaptans. With our extensive experience in gas treatment, we know that activated carbon impregnated with potassium hydroxide (KOH) is the best choice for protecting industrial systems and complying with environmental regulations.

? What is impregnated activated carbon?

Impregnated activated carbon is a porous material chemically modified to increase its adsorption capacity. When impregnated with potassium hydroxide (KOH), its ability to capture and neutralize acidic compounds is enhanced, making it the ideal solution for demanding industrial applications.

VAPACID: Our industrial solution with KOH

At Carbotecnia, we have developed VAPACIDa specialized activated carbon for the elimination of odors and acid gases. This product is ideal for:

• Industrial plants: Elimination of H₂S and mercaptans in ventilation systems.
• Drainage and septic tanks: Reduction of noxious odors.
• Biogas systems: Equipment protection through advanced desulfurization.

Why choose KOH-impregnated activated carbon?

In our track record in the industrial sector, we have found KOH-impregnated activated carbon to be the most effective for adsorption of acid gases, especially in processes involving H₂S and mercaptans:

• High H₂S removal efficiency: KOH reacts chemically with H₂S, forming stable potassium sulfides.
• Biogas desulfurization: protection of engines and generators by reducing H₂S.
• Industrial odor reduction: Ideal for wastewater treatment plants and drains.

? Key industrial applications with VAPACID

Our experience has allowed us to implement VAPACID in several industries, achieving excellent results:

• Biogas treatment: Reduction of H₂S to safe levels prior to cogeneration, protecting equipment.
• Air cleaning in chemical plants: Removal of mercaptans and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Industrial ventilation systems: Odor and corrosion control in vent ducts.
• Industrial drainage: Elimination of sulfurous gases responsible for bad odors.

Technical advantages of VAPACID with KOH

In our experience, the main benefits of KOH-impregnated activated carbon are:

• ? High adsorption capacity: efficient capture of H₂S and mercaptans.
• ? Low flow resistance: Perfect for high flow systems.
• Long service life: Lower replacement frequency and cost reduction.
• ? Positive environmental impact: Significant reduction of pollutant emissions.

? Technical characteristics of VAPACID (KOH)

? Application case: Odor control in industrial drainage with VAPACID

One of the most common challenges in wastewater treatment plants and industrial facilities is the control of odors generated by the accumulation of H₂S and mercaptans in drains.

In an industrial facility, we implemented VAPACID in a ventilation system connected to the drains to prevent the emission of sulfurous gases into the environment. Thanks to its high H₂S adsorption capacity, activated carbon impregnated with KOH can quickly remove the compounds responsible for the bad odor, significantly improving air quality in the work area.

The results were evident in a short time:
Drastic reduction of unpleasant odors in drainage areas.
Reduced corrosion in pipes and metal equipment.
Compliance with environmental regulations on air quality.

This type of solution has been key in multiple industries seeking to control gaseous emissions without affecting the operability of their facilities.

VAPACID, the best choice for the adsorption of acid gases

With VAPACIDCarbotecnia offers a proven solution for acid gas adsorption and industrial odor control. Our experience in applications such as biogas, drainage and chemical plants guarantees optimal and sustainable results.

If you would like more information or specific advice for your industrial plant, contact us. We are here to help you choose the best activated carbon solution for your process.

La entrada Activated carbon impregnated with KOH (potassium hydroxide) se publicó primero en Carbotecnia.

Activated charcoal for weight loss?

Activated carbon is an effective and relatively non-specific adsorbent of organic compounds. It is true that each type of activated carbon shows preference for some of these compounds over others; it traps first those for which it has greater affinity, but ends up trapping most of them. It is therefore important to know its function before taking it for weight loss.

This is why activated charcoal is the most universal antidote against acute (severe) intoxications by organic compounds, such as those caused by medicines ingested in excessive amounts, drugs of abuse, ornamental plants, fungi, pesticides, rat poison, hydrocarbons, among others.

Treatment with activated charcoal consists of administering it orally to the intoxicated person, as a very fine powder in aqueous suspension. The recommended dose is 0.25 g of charcoal per kilogram of body weight every hour. For example, if the patient weighs 70 kg, an adequate dose of charcoal is 35 g every hour. This weight of charcoal corresponds to a volume of about 70 ml, which is not little, if we consider that a sufficient amount of water must be added to form an ingestible dispersion.

What happens in your body if you consume activated charcoal?

As it passes through the gastrointestinal tract, activated charcoal retains the organic compounds it encounters. It also causes an intestinal dialysis with which it performs a blood purification: the organic compounds contained in the blood, whether they are toxic or not, pass through the cell walls of the intestine and reach the carbon that circulates there.

In addition, activated charcoal also prevents the reabsorption of the active metabolites that reach the duodenum via the bile coming from the liver. All compounds trapped by activated charcoal are excreted with it.

Is activated charcoal recommended for weight loss?

After treating an intoxicated person with activated charcoal, their blood tests show a decrease in levels of urea, creatinine, triglycerides, cholesterol and other organic compounds. This has led many to wonder if activated charcoal could be used as a method for weight loss.

Fats, proteins and carbohydrates are organic compounds, activated charcoal traps them. However, charcoal does not distinguish between those compounds that are and those that are not toxic; between those that are ingested in excess and those that are not; between those that will lead to weight gain and those that will not. Therefore, after some time, activated charcoal would cause weight loss, and it would also cause malnutrition, which is serious.

Therefore, it is NOT recommended to ingest charcoal to lose weight.

In addition to the problem of malnutrition, the amount of activated charcoal that would have to be ingested to lose weight in a noticeable way is very high: one gram of charcoal traps on average half a gram of organic compounds. So, for every 50 g of food eaten in excess, 100 g of activated charcoal would have to be ingested. Amounts like this cause constipation and intestinal irritation, so they need to be supplemented with a saline cathartic (laxative) which, to top it off, also causes dehydration.

Another undesirable effect of ingesting activated charcoal is that it washes away part of the intestinal microbiota (or flora).

So why is activated charcoal used for ingestion in people with severe poisoning?

All these negative effects of administering activated charcoal to a person are not a major problem when it is an acute intoxication, which is truly accidental and sporadic. But they would become a real problem if he/she ingested charcoal frequently in sufficient quantities to lose weight.

Do charcoal capsules help to lose weight?

Pharmacies and health food stores offer capsules or tablets of 400 mg of activated charcoal. Two to three capsules or tablets are indicated for cases of indigestion or flatulence and work well. In this case, the amount of charcoal is small and does not cause the negative effects of higher doses. However, in these quantities, activated charcoal does not have a significant effect on weight loss.

From all this, although activated charcoal is a magnificent remedy against acute intoxication, flatulence and indigestion, it is by no means a recommended method for weight loss.

More information:

What to know about that activated charcoal trend

Should I use activated charcoal?

Would you like to know more about activated carbon?

We invite you to visit the following article where you will find.

What is Activated Carbon and what is it used for?

https://www.carbotecnia.info/aprendizaje/carbon-activado/que-es-carbon-activado/

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La entrada Is activated charcoal useful for weight loss? se publicó primero en Carbotecnia.

Water is an essential resource for life on our planet. The quality of water and its use are key factors for the conservation, maintenance and improvement of human health, agriculture, industry and social development. For our country, which has a large territory and not all of it has the water resource, it is of vital importance to take care of it and give it a proper treatment for its reuse. That is why filters in Mexico are becoming more and more important for water treatment.

Water and the environment are interconnected.

Water is a renewable resource. It can be used for drinking, washing clothes and watering plants. Water also plays an important role in regulating the Earth’s temperature, as it helps control our climate.

Water has existed since the beginning of time and will continue to exist long after we are gone.

Mexico has organized the Agua Limpia Program since 1995 with the support of the federal, state and municipal governments.

The Agua Limpia Program has been organized since 1995 with the support of the federal, state and municipal governments. The program aims to improve water quality in Mexico and is a response to the problem of water scarcity in Mexico.

The country has an annual per capita water resource of 2,169* cubic meters and a deficit of 18 billion cubic meters in average years.

The country has an annual per capita water resource of 2,169* cubic meters and a deficit of 18 billion cubic meters in average years. Water resources are not evenly distributed in Mexico and there are areas with serious problems or without access to potable water.

Average annual precipitation is 1,500 mm, but varies considerably by region. Mean annual precipitation is highest on the Atlantic slope, with 2,600 mm (102 inches) falling on the southeastern coast, gradually decreasing northwestward to 600 mm (24 inches) along the Pacific coast [3] The driest areas are those near the Pacific coast, such as Guadalajara.

By 2030, water scarcity in Latin America will affect more than 130 million people.

Water scarcity is a growing problem. Water scarcity is caused by pollution, climate change and population growth. Water scarcity is a global problem affecting countries in the Middle East and Africa, as well as many parts of Latin America.

By 2030, water scarcity in Latin America will affect more than 130 million people. In Mexico City alone, it is estimated that more than 90% of residents do not have access to clean drinking water because they live above a drained aquifer, a huge subway reservoir filled with groundwater like a natural sponge (1).

In Mexico, more than 50% of the population does not have access to piped drinking water service and 62% of this population is located in rural areas.

In Mexico, more than 50% of the population does not have access to piped drinking water service and 62% of this population is located in rural areas. The problem is more serious in rural areas.

Lack of access to piped drinking water service is a major problem for human development, especially in the poorest communities. It has many consequences such as: high rates of disease transmission due to the use of contaminated water from sources such as rivers and streams; low productivity due to chronic hunger caused by inadequate nutrition; high migration for those who cannot secure their basic needs at home because there are no affordable or safe options available nearby (Porcheron & Wolfson, 2015).

Reuse is one of the best ways to preserve our water resources.

Reusing water is one of the best ways to preserve our water resources. One of the main reasons people don’t reuse water is because they don’t want to deal with the hassle of cleaning it, but this is no longer an excuse when talking about household use. With the technology and devices available today, it has become extremely easy to reuse wastewater and keep your family safe from any harmful bacteria that may be present in what you are using as a source for drinking or cooking. Reused water can also be used for irrigation, which helps save the amount of chemicals used to fertilize plants.

Point-of-use filters in Mexico are an ingenious way to recycle in your home to conserve natural resources.

Point-of-use filters in Mexico are an ingenious way to recycle in your home to conserve natural resources. With the growing problem of plastic bottles ending up in landfills, it is easy to see how these types of filters improve the quality of life for you and the environment from polluting waste. The fact that they also help reduce the amount of plastic bottles that end up in the oceans is an added bonus.

If you want really clean water, one solution is to use water purifiers in the place to use water, it saves many could be exactly what you need. They work by filtering all the impurities out of the water from the municipal mains tap or intakes before it reaches it. This can save a lot of money on bottled water and could even be better for your health (depending on how dirty your local tap supply is).

The filters reduce the use of plastic bottles and promote the circular economy system.

Mexico’s use of water filters reduces the need for plastic bottles and promotes a circular economy system in which materials are reused as much as possible to reduce waste. This is especially important in Mexico, where most households do not have access to safe drinking water.

One example is the water reuse system used by Agricola Dominio del Sur, a Mexican food company that makes tortillas from corn grown on its own land. The corn flour is mixed with filtered wastewater from its plant and sold to customers in its grocery stores, who can then make tortillas at home using their own supply of filtered water.

Water recycling has become an important issue worldwide due to environmental pollution.

Recycling water is a good thing. It is important for the environment to recycle water, because it saves money and helps the Earth. It can also be done at home or in the workplace.

Recycling water can be used for other things besides drinking and watering plants, such as flushing the toilet or washing dishes.

Conclusion

In the future, we hope that water recycling will be a tool to improve the quality of life. We also want everyone to have access to safe drinking water by 2030!

Related articles:

• Does low-salt water cause damage to health?
• Typical water purification process
• Graywater treatment

If you need more information or a quote, please contact us:

La entrada Home, industrial and municipal water filters in Mexico se publicó primero en Carbotecnia.

Starting a bottling water production business, whether it is jug water or small bottles, has the advantage that you can start with a small water purification plant, with a smaller investment, and then if demand grows, add or grow your equipment. You can also plan alternative sources of financing in case you do not have adequate capital.

First step before making the decision to install a water purifier.

Make a business plan.

A detailed business plan is the most important tool you need to start your project. It would give you a clear idea of what you want to accomplish and how much capital and skills you need to achieve it. A business plan for a bottled water purification plant could start with equipment alone costing $40,000 but it is not only the equipment that needs to be considered, let’s list what we need to take into account to afford the project.

1. Market study to see how many water purification plants there are in the area and the cost per carafe or bottle.
2. Cost of renting or purchasing a commercial space.
3. Cost and requirements for trademark registration, COFEPRIS permits and Civil Protection review.
4. Employee salaries, benefits and tax payments.
5. Cost of water per m3 of raw water and cost already treated.
6. Cost of consumables: bottles and caps, chemicals, analysis equipment, labels, filter media, softener salt, cartridges and membranes (and their frequency of change) and cleaning products in general.
7. Delivery vehicle, spare parts, wear and tear and maintenance.
8. Investment in internet advertising, social networks, flyers or web page.
9. Your cost per hours worked, at the beginning most likely won’t be there for your salary, but you have to have the cost of your time invested.

Source of supply for the purification plant.

Is a good source of water supply necessary? This is an important point when choosing a location for the purifier. If the water is from the municipal network or from a well, it is necessary to make a physical-chemical analysis of the water, since water of poor quality or with more contaminants to be eliminated by the purifier will require larger equipment and a higher maintenance cost. The recommendation is to locate your production plant in a place with better water quality and look for a way to transport the water to a water bottling plant to be bottled. There are companies that sell water from springs or sources of better points in pipes.

Again, you will have to evaluate the costs of the water, if it requires more frequent relocation or maintenance, change of activated carbon, softener resin or membrane clogging, in case you have low quality water, this depends on your location and your specific needs.

What equipment does a water purifier need?

In Mexico, the permissible limits of contaminants in water for human use and consumption are dictated by standards:

• NOM-127-SSA1-2021, “Water for human use and consumption. Permissible limits of water quality”.
• NOM-201-SSA1-2015, “Products and services. Water and ice for human consumption, packaged and in bulk. Sanitary specifications.”

First stage of a water purification plant: Raw water feeding.

Identify the quality of the incoming water to our water purification plant, either from the municipal drinking water network, from wells, from surface water from lakes or rivers, or from the purchase of water pipes from the same supplier, and do not make variations of water sources that we have not well studied.

Second stage of purification: Water disinfection.

The cheapest and most common disinfectant is chlorine, although other options such as chlorine dioxide are also available. These chemical agents help eliminate dangerous and undesirable microorganisms from the water. For this to be effective, it is necessary to give the chlorine enough contact time to do its job.

Chlorine dioxide can be a good water disinfectant, plus it can be produced on site and not to have too much in storage.

Third stage: Raw water storage tank.

Commonly this tank apart from storing enough water for the peak flow of water demand. It is also used to give the water adequate contact time with chlorine.

Fourth stage of a water purifier: Water purifier feed pump.

It must be properly selected for the maximum flow rate of the equipment (commonly backwash) and withstand the pressure drop generated by the equipment and piping sufficient to feed the reverse osmosis system (commonly between 30 and 60 psi pressure), all while operating at its highest possible efficiency range.

Another option is to place a hydropneumatic tank separate from the pump to maintain a constant pressure in the line at all times.

Fifth stage of a water purification plant: multimedia filter or deep sediment bed.

Granular media are regularly used, although in recent years disc filters are becoming a more economical and competitive investment for water flows greater than 9 ^m3/h. In some regions, depending on the water source, a catalytic granular media may be required to remove iron, manganese and hydrogen sulfide. This can be used instead of the granular or disc media filter, or just after the sediment filters, depending on the quality of the raw water to be treated.

Sixth stage of a water purifier: granular activated carbon bed filter.

Granular activated carbon works excellently in adsorbing organic compounds which are guilty of producing a bad odor, color and taste to water, and can even be toxic. In addition to adsorbing organic compounds, it acts as a reducing agent for free chlorine and converts it to chloride ion (^Cl-). It is important to disinfect the activated carbon beds because, being an adsorbent of organic matter, it is a favorable medium for bacterial growth.

Seventh stage of a water purifier: hard water softener.

This step is recommended when the water is to be osmotized because high _CaCO3 concentrations can foul the reverse osmosis membranes, compromising the proper functioning of the system and the membranes. The concentration of CaCO3_that can be fed to a membrane varies among manufacturers. It is also necessary to soften when our concentration is higher than the permissible limit by the standard which is 500 mg/L as _CaCO3.

Eighth stage of a water purification plant: reverse osmosis system.

This system is necessary when it is required to reduce the concentration of dissolved salts in it (STD), the amount of salts that are removed during this process depends on the membrane since there are different types of membranes, usually ranging from 99%. Something very important to take into account is that reverse osmosis systems generally generate a 50% rejection of water concentrated in salts. This means that we will produce half of the water without dissolved salts that we feed to our RO system. Depending on the water quality required, multi-membrane or series-pass designs are designed.

Ninth stage of a water purifier: UV light lamp.

Last stage of disinfection prior to point of use, only as a protective barrier to eliminate microorganisms. The water is passed through a chamber with a UV light source at a suitable wavelength to prevent bacterial growth. The lifetime of the UV light source depends on the brand.

Tenth stage of a water purification plant: product water storage tank.

This tank allows us to store the water before bottling or the high demand needed in the process, in some occasions that the water is going to be stored for more than 3 days, it is necessary to use an Ozone generator, to keep the water without bacteriological contamination or microorganisms without adding a chemical that leaves a residue in the water.

Eleventh stage of a water purification plant: product water pump.

The pressurizing pump at this point helps us to fill and wash bottles or demijohns faster, also to transfer water to a production line or to put pressurized water in a hotel or offices.

Last stage of a water purification plant: point of use or filling of jugs or bottles.

We arrive at the point of use of purified water, which can be used in the filling of demijohns, washing of demijohns, small PET bottles, industrial use in a production line, use of industrial kitchens and canteens or services for hospitals or hotels, pre-treated water for laboratories that may require other processes to make demineralized water.

Conclusion

The challenge at the beginning may be to raise capital to launch a business idea. Your idea must be viable and well studied so that you can get financing from financial institutions or investors from relatives or acquaintances. The first thing to do before seeking capital for the project is to write a detailed business plan. With a good business plan, you can easily convince investors to invest in your business. The truth is that no bank can grant you a loan if you do not have a good and viable business plan.

Once the water purification plant has started, we recommend taking great care of consumables, lids, quality of the demijohns, keeping a close eye on the cost of the finished product in order to maintain the profit margin, taking care of the maintenance and analysis logs for possible sanitary revisions.

More related articles:

• What is deep bed filtration?
• What is a water softener?
• How does ultraviolet UV light work for water disinfection?
• Typical water purification process
• Chlorine dioxide as water disinfectant
• Activated carbon dechlorination

Source: https://www.profitableventure.com/bottled-water-company-cost/

La entrada Water purification plant What filters do I need? se publicó primero en Carbotecnia.

The parameters of physicochemical analysis of water set by NOM-127-SSA1-1994 and the new NOM-127-SSA1-2021 for human use, which comes into force this year 2023, require a certain number of water tests to check the permissible limits of water quality and the treatments it receives for its potabilization.

Updates between Nom 1994 and 2021

Update of permissible limits:

• • The 2021 standard updates several permissible limits to improve public health protection based on the latest international research and recommendations.

Inclusion of new compounds:

• • New compounds to be controlled have been added in the 2021 standard that were not specified in the 1994 version, reflecting a greater understanding of the potential health risks.
  • New Organic Compounds and their Limits in NOM-127-SSA1-2021
    1. Fixed adsorbable halogenated organic compounds:
       • Hexachlorobutadiene: 0.60 µg/L
       • Pentachlorophenol: 9.0 µg/L
       • 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol: 200 µg/L
       • Epichlorohydrin: 0.40 µg/L
    2. Halogenated pesticides:
       • Atrazine: 100 µg/L
       • Terbuthylazine: 7.0 µg/L
    3. Halogenated herbicides:
       • 2,4-D: 30 µg/L
       • 2,4,5-T: 9.0 µg/L
       • 2,4-DB: 90 µg/L
    4. Non-halogenated organic compounds:
       • Carbamates and other semi-volatile compounds such as Aldicarb: 10 µg/L
       • Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons as Benzo(a)pyrene: 0.70 µg/L
    5. Phosphorous pesticides:
       • Chlorpyrifos: 30 µg/L
       • Dimethoate: 6.0 µg/L

Test methods and treatments:

• • The test methods for determining water quality and the required drinking water treatments have been updated and specified in more detail in the 2021 standard.

Gradual compliance:

• • The 2021 standard introduces a phased-in compliance system for certain parameters, allowing smaller localities to adjust to the new standards over an extended period.

The Official Mexican Standard NOM-127-SSA1-1994 and NOM-127-SSA1-2021 establish the sanitary requirements that the quality of water for human use and consumption in Mexico must meet. Below is a comparison of the parameters of both standards:

Cyanides

NOM-127-SSA1-1994 establishes the maximum permissible limits for contaminants in treated wastewater discharged into receiving water bodies in Mexico, including the maximum permissible limit for cyanide.

The maximum permissible limit of cyanide in treated wastewater discharged into receiving water bodies, according to the standard:

NOM-127-SSA1-1994, is 0.2 mg/L (milligrams per liter).

NOM-127-SSA1-2021, is 0.7 mg/L (milligrams per liter).

It is important to note that cyanide is a highly toxic substance and its presence in concentrations above permissible limits can pose a risk to human health and the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that wastewater is adequately treated before discharge into receiving water bodies and to comply with the permissible limits established by the standard.

Free residual chlorine

Chlorides

The maximum permissible limit of chloride in treated wastewater discharged into receiving water bodies, according to the standard

NOM-127-SSA1-1994, is 250 (as Cl-) mg/L (milligrams per liter).

Chloride is a naturally occurring substance in water and can be released into the environment through human activities, such as wastewater discharge. If chloride levels in water are too high, they can affect water quality and aquatic life. Wastewater treatment facilities must have adequate processes in place to ensure that their effluent is sufficiently treated before discharge into receiving water bodies and must comply with the permissible limits set by the standard.

Color scale Pt-Co

The Pt-Co color scale is a measure of the color intensity of a water sample, which is determined by visual comparison of the sample with a Pt-Co color scale. The presence of high concentrations of organic matter, heavy metals and other contaminants can contribute to increased water color.

NOM-127-SSA1-1994 regulates the maximum permissible levels of color and turbidity for treated wastewater discharged into receiving water bodies. The maximum permissible color limit on the Pt-Co scale is 150 units (U.C.), while the permissible turbidity level is 0 to 0.15 NTU.

High concentrations of organic matter, heavy metals and other pollutants can contribute to increased water color, which can negatively affect aquatic life.

Total hardness

Water hardness refers to the amount of calcium and magnesium minerals dissolved in water, and can affect its quality and its use for different purposes. It is measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) of CaCO3 (calcium carbonate). NOM-127-SSA1-1994 establishes the maximum permissible limit for total hardness at 500 mg/L in treated wastewater discharged into receiving water bodies.

High hardness levels can cause scaling and corrosion problems, as well as difficulties in foaming during cleaning processes. It is important to monitor and control hardness levels to protect water quality and the environment.

Phenols

NOM-127-SSA1-1994 limits the concentration of phenols in treated wastewater discharged into receiving water bodies to 0.5 mg/L or less. The NOM establishes that the maximum allowable limit for phenols in treated wastewater discharged into receiving water bodies is 0.5 mg/L (milligrams per liter).

Industrial wastewater may contain substances such as phenols, which can interfere with aquatic life and affect water quality. It is important to monitor the levels of phenols in wastewater and to comply with the permissible limits established by the standard.

Fluorides

An important aspect of treating wastewater containing fluorides is to maintain low levels through the use of appropriate processes, chemicals and equipment. The standard establishes maximum allowable limits for the discharge of treated wastewater containing fluorides into receiving water bodies to protect water quality and minimize anthropogenic impacts on aquatic ecosystems.

Mexico’s National Standard (NOM-127-SSA1-1994) establishes that the maximum allowable limit for fluorides in treated wastewater discharged into receiving water bodies is 15 mg/L (milligrams per liter). Exceeding this limit can be toxic to human health and aquatic life. In order to protect the environment, it is important to control fluoride levels in wastewater and comply with the permissible limits established by the standard.

Ammonia nitrogen

Ammonia nitrogen is a chemical compound that can be toxic and harmful to aquatic life in high concentrations, and is released into the environment through human activities, such as the discharge of wastewater from some industries and agricultural activities. Therefore, it is important to control the levels of ammonia nitrogen in wastewater and comply with the permissible limits established by the standard to protect water quality and the environment.

The maximum allowable limit for ammonia nitrogen in treated wastewater discharged into receiving water bodies, according to NOM-127-SSA1-1994, varies depending on the type of receiving water body:

• For water bodies intended for drinking water supply, the maximum allowable limit is 0.5 mg/L (milligrams per liter) of N-NH3 (ammonia nitrogen).
• For water bodies that are not intended for drinking water supply, the maximum allowable limit is 2.0 mg/L N-NH3.

Nitrate nitrogen

In nature, nitrates are necessary to produce proteins and support the growth of plants and animals. However, when present in high concentrations, they can be harmful to humans and aquatic life.

According to NOM-127-SSA1-1994, the maximum allowable limits for nitrate nitrogen (NO3) in treated wastewater discharged into receiving water bodies vary according to the type of receiving water body.

• For water bodies intended for drinking water supply, the maximum allowable limit is 10 mg/L (milligrams per liter) of N-NO3 (nitrate nitrogen).
• For water bodies that are not intended for drinking water supply, the maximum allowable limit is 20 mg/L of N-NO3.

Nitrite nitrogen

Nitrites are chemical compounds that form in water from the oxidation of nitrates, and can be harmful to human health if consumed in high concentrations.

Nitrites can interfere with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, which can cause cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes), headaches, dizziness and other symptoms. In addition, nitrites can react with other compounds to form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic compounds.

NOM-127-SSA1-1994 establishes a maximum permissible limit of 1 mg/L (milligrams per liter) for nitrite nitrogen content in water intended for human use and consumption. This limit applies both to drinking water supplied by public water supply systems and to bottled water for human consumption. It is important to note that this limit is designed to ensure the safety of water for human consumption and to protect public health.

Odor in water

Odor is a sensory parameter that can be used as an indicator of water quality, and it is important to control it to prevent the emission of bad odors that can affect public health and the environment. The maximum allowable odor limit established by the standard is based on the Odor Unit (OU) methodology, which is a standard measurement to quantify the odor level of a substance or water sample.

The maximum allowable odor limit for treated wastewater discharged into receiving water bodies is 5 odor units per cubic meter (5 u/m³) in accordance with NOM-127-SSA1-1994 .

PH

A pH parameter serves to indicate the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a solution. The pH value is an important factor that can affect water quality. The standard establishes the permitted pH range, ensuring that treated wastewater discharged into receiving water bodies is neither too acidic nor too alkaline, which can adversely affect water quality and the environment.

NOM-127-SSA1-1994, Tratamiento de Acueductos y Alcantarillados, specifies that the maximum permissible pH limit for treated wastewater discharged into receiving water bodies is 6 to 9 pH units.

Flavor in water

The standard establishes maximum allowable limits for other organoleptic parameters of treated wastewater, such as the maximum allowable limit for color, odor and turbidity. These parameters are important to ensure that treated wastewater is aesthetically acceptable and does not present odor or appearance problems, which can affect water quality and public health.

Total dissolved solids

Total dissolved solids (TDS) refers to the total amount of dissolved materials in water, including salts and minerals. The maximum allowable TDS level is established to ensure that treated wastewater discharged to receiving water bodies does not contain an excessive concentration of dissolved solids that could affect water quality.

According to NOM-127-SSA1-1994, the maximum permissible limit for TDS in treated wastewater discharged to receiving water bodies is 1,500 milligrams per liter (mg/L).

Sulfates

NOM-127-SSA1-1994 establishes the permissible limits for various chemical and microbiological parameters in water, including sulfates. According to the standard, the permissible limit for sulfates in water intended for human consumption is 250 mg/L (milligrams per liter).

It is important to note that this limit only applies to water intended for human consumption and not necessarily for other uses, such as agricultural irrigation or industry.

Methylene blue active substances

NOM-127-SSA1-1994 establishes a maximum permissible limit of 0.1 mg/L (milligrams per liter) of methylene blue in water for human use and consumption. This limit applies to all forms of water intended for human consumption, including drinking water, bottled water, and packaged water. Methylene blue is a dye that is used in a variety of applications, including tissue staining in histology and as an indicator in chemical tests. However, its consumption in large quantities can be toxic to human health.

Turbidity in water

Turbidity is a measure of water clarity and is related to the amount of suspended particles in the water. Water with high turbidity may contain particles that affect the taste, odor, color and microbiological quality of the water, so the standard establishes this limit to ensure the quality of water intended for human consumption. High turbidity of water may be due to natural processes or contamination.

NOM-127-SSA1-1994 establishes a maximum permissible limit of 5 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) for water intended for human consumption.

The turbidity limit established in the standard applies to water intended for human consumption and not necessarily to other uses, such as industry or agricultural irrigation.

Heavy metal analysis of water to comply with standard 127

Likewise, NOM-127-SSA1-1994 establishes a series of analysis parameters for metals to measure water quality:

Aluminum

NOM-127-SSA1-1994 establishes the permissible limits for contaminants in water for human use and consumption in Mexico. In relation to aluminum, this standard establishes a maximum permissible limit of 0.2 mg/L (milligrams per liter) in drinking water. It is important to note that this limit may vary in different countries and in different regulations, so it is necessary to check the specific regulations of each place to know the corresponding permissible limits.

Arsenic

According to NOM-127-SSA1-1994, n relation to arsenic, this standard establishes a maximum permissible limit of 0.025 mg/L (milligrams per liter) in drinking water for contaminants in water for human use and consumption in Mexico. This limit may vary in different countries and in different regulations.

Barium

Barium is a heavy metal that can be toxic to human health if found in high levels in water. It is used in a variety of industries, such as oil, mining and ceramics manufacturing, among others.

The maximum permissible limit of 0.7 milligrams of barium per liter of water was established in the standard based on the criteria and recommendations of international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), which consider this level of barium in water to be safe for long-term human consumption.

It is important to note that the standard establishes other maximum permissible limits for various contaminants in water, and that compliance with these limits is the responsibility of drinking water supply systems and public health authorities.

Cadmium

Cadmium is a heavy metal that can be toxic to human health if ingested at high levels. Cadmium is found in a variety of consumer products, including food, water and tobacco, among others. Chronic exposure to cadmium can cause harmful health effects such as kidney damage, osteoporosis, lung damage and cancer.

Copper

Copper is an essential element for human health in adequate amounts, but can be toxic in high concentrations, especially to the liver and nervous system. Copper may be present in water due to corrosion of copper pipes, as well as mining, smelting and other industrial processes.

Chrome

Chromium is a metal used in various industries, such as metallurgy and chemicals, and may be present in water as a result of waste discharge processes. Exposure to elevated levels of chromium in water can be toxic to human health, causing adverse effects such as skin irritation, respiratory problems and liver damage.

The maximum permissible limit for total chromium in water for human consumption, according to Mexican Official Standard NOM-127-SSA1-1994, is 0.05 milligrams per liter (50 micrograms per liter).

Iron

Iron is a mineral that helps the body produce red blood cells and maintain normal levels of hemoglobin, or oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. It is also necessary for the proper functioning of nerves and energy production by muscles. In addition to being present in many foods and nutritional supplements, however, it can produce an unpleasant metallic taste when consumed in high levels in water, cause health problems such as diarrhea and gastrointestinal disorders.

Because of this, NOM-127-SSA1-1994 establishes that the maximum permissible limit of iron in water is 0.3 milligrams per liter.

Manganese

Manganese is a mineral that occurs naturally in soil and water and is important for human health in small amounts. However, if it is consumed in high levels in water, it can produce a bitter taste and affect the appearance and quality of the water.

The maximum permissible limit for manganese in water for human consumption, according to Mexican Official Standard NOM-127-SSA1-1994, is 0.5 milligrams per liter, in order to ensure that the water is safe for use.

Mercury

Mercury is a toxic metal that can be released into the environment as a result of human activities such as mining and burning fossil fuels. Exposure to elevated levels of mercury can cause nervous system damage, kidney disorders and other adverse effects on human health.

Due to the risk that this metal represents to human health, the maximum permissible limit for mercury in water for human consumption, according to Mexican Official Standard NOM-127-SSA1-1994, is 0.001 milligrams per liter (1 microgram per liter).

Lead

Lead is a toxic metal that is released into the environment through human activities such as industry, mining and the burning of fossil fuels. Exposure to elevated levels of lead can cause nervous system damage, kidney disorders, anemia and other adverse effects on human health, especially in children. In addition to being common in urban air, lead particles are also found in household dust and soil due to emissions from automobiles and industrial processes. When it comes to protecting yourself and your family from lead poisoning, it is critical to know how to clean it up.

Therefore, it is important to have a limit for this metal in water. According to the Mexican Official Standard NOM-127-SSA1-1994, the limit is 0.01 milligrams per liter (10 micrograms per liter).

Sodium

Sodium is a mineral that occurs naturally in water and is necessary for the proper functioning of the human body. However, excessive sodium intake can increase the risk of high blood pressure and other health problems, especially in people with pre-existing conditions. Therefore, it is important that drinking water supply systems regularly monitor sodium levels in water and take measures to reduce them if they are above the levels recommended for human consumption.

According to NOM-127-SSA1-1994, the range of sodium concentration in water for human consumption is 25 to 200 milligrams per liter. However, it is recommended that sodium concentrations not exceed 100 milligrams per liter in water for human consumption, in order to prevent arterial hypertension in susceptible persons.

Zinc

While zinc is an essential mineral for the human body in small amounts, it can become toxic in excess. Zinc can enter drinking water through soil and rock dissolution processes, as well as through release from industry and other human processes.

Therefore, NOM-127-SSA1-1994 establishes this maximum permissible limit of zinc in water for human consumption, in order to protect the health of the population. This limit is 5 milligrams per liter.

Microbiological water analysis for drinking water standard 127

NOM-127-SSA1-1994 establishes a series of analysis parameters for microbiological organisms that help keep water fit for human use.

Fecal coliform analysis

Fecal coliform analysis is used to determine the microbiological quality of drinking water. These microorganisms are commonly found in the intestinal tract of humans and other animals, and their presence in drinking water may indicate the possible presence of other pathogenic microorganisms.

Mexican Official Standard NOM-127-SSA1-1994 establishes that drinking water must be free of pathogenic microorganisms, including fecal coliforms. Therefore, the maximum permissible limit for fecal coliforms in drinking water is zero (0) in 100 milliliters.

Total coliforms

Total coliform analysis is used to determine the microbiological quality of drinking water. Total coliforms are a group of microorganisms commonly found in the environment, and their presence in drinking water may indicate the possible presence of other pathogenic microorganisms.

For this parameter, Mexican Official Standard NOM-127-SSA1-1994 establishes that the maximum permissible limit for total coliforms in drinking water is 5 in 100 milliliters.

Sceherichia coli

Eschericha coli (E. coli) is a bacterium found in the intestine of humans and other animals. Its presence in drinking water may indicate the possible presence of other pathogenic microorganisms and poses a health risk to people who consume the water.

Due to the risk to human health, Mexican Official Standard NOM-127-SSA1-1994 establishes that drinking water must be free of pathogenic microorganisms, including Escherichia coli. Therefore, the maximum permissible limit for E. coli in drinking water is zero (0) in 100 milliliters.

Trihalomethanes analysis

NOM-127-SSA1-1994 also establishes a test to measure the concentration of trihalomethanes in water.

Total trihalomethanes

Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) are chemical compounds formed when chlorine is used to disinfect drinking water containing organic matter. Although non-toxic at low concentrations, TTHMs are considered to be carcinogenic at high concentrations and their long-term presence in drinking water may increase the risk of cancer.

To avoid any risk situation for human health, the Mexican Official Standard NOM-127-SSA1-2021 establishes that the maximum permissible limit for total trihalomethanes in drinking water is 0.1 milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm).

We do not have the service to perform these analyses, we suggest you go to a laboratory certified by CONAGUA: Comisión Nacional del Agua (conagua.gob.mx) in its laboratory search engine by state.

If you need to comply with the 127 standard for water purification, come to us with an analysis of the parameters you need to comply with to help you.

La entrada Parameters for physicochemical analysis of water for standard 127 NOM-127-SSA1-2021 in Mexico se publicó primero en Carbotecnia.

Factor number 1: Overpopulation

Factor number 2: Livestock Raising

Factor number 3: Climate Change

Factor number 4: Contaminated water

Factor number 5: Leakage

Factor number 6: Industry

La entrada 6 Factors Causing the World Water Crisis se publicó primero en Carbotecnia.

La entrada Coca Cola makes donations of school drinking fountains se publicó primero en Carbotecnia.

La entrada Filter vs Purify Water se publicó primero en Carbotecnia.

La entrada Parameters of physicochemical analysis of water for Standard 201 NOM-201-SSA1-2015. se publicó primero en Carbotecnia.

Functions and benefits of drinking water.

Transport of nutrients into cells.

Water has the capacity to dissolve nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, proteins and sugars that we ingest in the diet in order to transport them to the organs through the bloodstream. In the body, these nutrients are dissolved in the blood plasma, which is 90% water, allowing them to be transported from the digestive tract to the body tissues. Thanks to the constant flow of these nutrients dissolved in water, cells can obtain the elements they need to develop, grow and repair themselves. Water not only transports nutrients to the cells, but also creates an environment that allows the cells to absorb and utilize those nutrients.

Elimination of toxins from organs

Through the use of water, the kidneys act as filters that dilute and excrete waste substances through urine, such as urea, uric acid and other toxic compounds resulting from cellular metabolism. If not enough water is consumed, toxins accumulate and cause health problems such as kidney stones or urinary tract infections. Similarly, the liver requires water for the elimination of substances potentially harmful to the body through bile. Without sufficient water, liver processes are affected, since the liver needs an aqueous medium to transform toxins into soluble forms that can be excreted.

Proper functioning of the brain and nervous system.

Without sufficient water intake, the brain cannot maintain the balance of electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium and calcium) required by neurons in the process of transmitting electrical impulses. Dehydration results in the electrical signals that enable communication between neurons to be slowed or blocked, leading to problems with memory, concentration and coordination. Neurons are sensitive to changes in water, so when the brain is dehydrated, cognitive and emotional abilities are affected.

Body temperature regulation.

Water is used to generate sweat by which the body regulates body temperature. Sweat is composed mainly of water, salts and other substances that are released when the body temperature rises. Sweat evaporates from the skin surface and absorbs heat from the body. After water loss through sweating, rehydration is necessary to restore fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. Drinking sufficient water helps to replenish lost fluids, restore blood volume and continue the regulation of body temperature. Water intake also has benefits in other systems of temperature regulation such as blood vessel dilation and homeostasis at the cellular level.

La entrada Why does the human body need to use water? se publicó primero en Carbotecnia.

Filtration systems applied in distilled beverages

Both the lenticular filter and the filter press are two types of filtration systems used in various industries such as the distilled beverage industry for the filtration required to produce Tequila, Rum, Mezcal, etcetera.

This blog will discuss the advantages of each and the convenience of batch filtration.

More filter information

In conclusion, when to use the 3M Zeta Plus lenticular filter?

The choice between a lenticular filter or a filter press depends on the specific needs of the filtration process, including the type of liquids and solids to be filtered, production volume, efficiency requirements and operating costs.

For small volumes in the production of tequila or distilled beverages, 3M ZetaPlus lenticular filters offer an efficient, easy to handle solution that avoids the burden of plates and filter media and is economical and guarantees the quality of the final product. Their compact design, high filtration efficiency and reduced risk of contamination make them a superior choice compared to other filtration methods.

La entrada Advantages of the lenticular filter over the filter press in the production of Tequila and other distillates. se publicó primero en Carbotecnia.

La entrada 12 facts about bottled water se publicó primero en Carbotecnia.

La entrada Dehydration: Myths and Realities se publicó primero en Carbotecnia.

Life on our planet is made possible by two phenomena that constitute a rarity in the world of chemistry: hydrogen bonding (erroneously called hydrogen bridging) and carbon catenation .

In the case of the water molecule, H₂Or, hydrogen bonding is a force of attraction that occurs between the hydrogen of one molecule and the oxygen of another molecule. This attraction is due to the fact that hydrogen is electropositive and oxygen is electronegative. Without hydrogen bonding, water could not exist in a liquid or solid state at Earth’s ambient temperature. It would be a gas, as would all compounds whose molecules have a molar mass as low as that of water. On the other hand, catenation is the ability of an element to form chains; that is, to chemically bond with itself. Carbon is not the only element that has this capacity, but it is the one that tends to do so the most, and in the most varied forms.

The carbon atom

The symbol for the carbon atom is “C”. In the English language, “carbon” is not the same as “carbon”. “Carbon” is the name of the element, and “carbon” is a solid formed mainly by chains of carbon atoms. The carbon found on Earth was created about 5000 million years ago, during the period of formation of the solar system, when nuclear fusion chemistry prevailed, and proved to be relatively stable. This allowed it to contribute an amount representing 0.02% by weight of all the elements. Although this percentage seems low, carbon is the twelfth most abundant element on our planet. We will continue to discuss the carbon cycle below, but first it is important to point out What is carbon?

Carbon element

Carbon belongs to group 14 of the periodic table, whose elements are: carbon (C), silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), tin (Sb) and lead (Pb). The first three are nonmetals, and the last two are metals. All of these elements share the ability to catenate, but none of them do so as easily as carbon. In addition to concatenating, carbon can do so by multiple bonding, which means bonding to each other by double and triple bonds. The latter property is common to nitrogen and oxygen, but in such cases, catenation is relatively rare. Carbon atoms can bond to each other in a variety of ways, and in a number of atoms, impossible for any other element. They can form chains of thousands of atoms or rings of all sizes; these chains and rings can have branches. Other atoms are attached to the carbons of these chains and rings; mainly hydrogen, oxygen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus…. This particular characteristic is what allows so many carbon compounds to exist. The number of compounds containing carbon is several times greater than the number of substances that do not contain it. Carbon is very important for the preservation of life on the planet, one of the most important contributions is photosynthesis, which is explained below:

The emergence of life and the process of conversion of_CO2 into organic molecules through photosynthesis thanks to the carbon cycle.

During the formation of the Earth, its atmosphere was composed mainly of water vapor, carbon dioxide and nitrogen, along with other gases emitted by volcanic action. Life began with plants about 3 billion years ago, in the warm waters of the oceans and seas, and originally in primitive plant forms. This form of life evolved due to its ability to photosynthesize, taking carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as a raw material and replacing it with oxygen. In the process of photosynthesis, the plant converts_CO2 into the cellulose chains and other molecules that make up the plant, which, as we will see below, chemists have called organic molecules. The earliest forms of plants and algae grew in massive abundance over millions of years. Animal life forms evolved much later, probably around 2000 million years ago, and were totally dependent on the oxygen generated by the flora of that time. Herbivorous animals feed on plants, and carnivorous animals feed on other animals. Therefore, all living things, plants and animals, start from CO₂ as raw material to form our tissues. We can be aware, then, that all our tissues were_CO2. The main compound present in the human body is water, but in second place are organic molecules based on carbon chains. Therefore, oxygen represents the major part of the mass of the human body (65%), but in second place is carbon (18%). Six elements make up 99% of the mass of the human body: oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus. The content of the elements aluminum and silicon, although very abundant on Earth, is very low in the human body.

Organic chemistry or carbon chain chemistry

Originally, chemical compounds were divided into two groups: inorganic and organic, depending on where they came from. Inorganic compounds were those that came from minerals, and organic compounds were those obtained from plant and animal sources, i.e., from materials produced by living organisms. Until about 1850, many chemists believed that organic compounds must have their origin in living organisms and, consequently, could never be synthesized from inorganic substances. All compounds from organic sources contained the element carbon. Even after it was established that these compounds did not necessarily have to come from living sources, since they could be synthesized in the laboratory, it was convenient to keep the name organic to describe them, and so to date, compounds are classified as inorganic and organic. Organic compounds have been grouped into families that, in general, have no equivalents among the inorganics. Organic chemistry has developed methods to decompose complicated molecules, to rearrange atoms to generate new molecules, to add atoms to existing molecules or to substitute new atoms for old ones. Their goal is to synthesize new molecules that provide solutions or improvements to human activities. Currently, about 16 million organic compounds are known, and every year another 500,000 are discovered.

The formation of oil fields, and coal mines

Oil and natural gas are organic compounds that formed from organic matter accumulated in sediments of the geological past, and in association with inorganic matter from the seas over millions of years. On the other hand, around 500 million years ago, the flora had evolved considerably, and moved from the warm waters of the seas, to the land. As we entered the Carboniferous era, massive growth occurred in the form of tropical rainforests. At this time, the continents were also slowly moving northward through the warmer climates of the equatorial regions, with their torrential storms. Continental drift with the corresponding depressions and uplifts of the earth’s crust caused growing areas of these rainforests to slowly, over millions of years, become submerged in river estuaries and the sea. Not all the trees in the rainforests that grew over a period of about 300 million years formed coal mines. Probably only one in a thousand billion (1 x¹⁰¹⁵) trees ended up in a coal mine. The rest simply decomposed into gaseous compounds and minerals.

Coal formation

An important stage in the formation of coal from the material in these rainforests was the swamp, with its botanical matter decomposed by aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to create the residual material that became coals under subsequent time, temperature and pressure influences associated with burial of material, usually at deep distances. This carbonization process continued beneath the earth as the continents moved northward to where they are today. The properties of coals from different coal-bearing areas of the world are not identical, including coals found at different levels within the same beta. Some coals were formed long after the end of the Carboniferous era, i.e., in the Cretaceous period, associated with the dinosaurs.

Anthracite, mineral and lignite coals.

Older or more mature coals are anthracites, which essentially do not melt when heated. The mineral coals, i.e. those of intermediate age, melt when heated. These coals are used to make metallurgical coke for the iron and steel production industries. The youngest coals are lignites and brown coals, which are relatively rich in oxygen and hydrogen. Therefore, the raw materials of the coal industry are clearly associated with the world’s fossil ores. Due to the wide range of geological conditions that existed in the formation of both oil and coal, it is understood that these materials exhibit considerable variation in their physical and chemical properties. Such differences lead to different uses of these materials, particularly in the iron and aluminum production industries.

Carbon isotopes and carbon-14 as a method for measuring the age of remains of organic origin

What defines each element is its atomic number, which corresponds to the number of protons contained in its nucleus. The atomic number of carbon is 6. But each element can have a different number of neutrons. Atoms of the same element whose nucleus has a different number of neutrons are called isotopes. This causes the isotopes to differ in atomic mass. Natural carbon has three isotopes. The most common is carbon-12 or 12C, which accounts for 98.89 % of all carbon on Earth. Its nucleus consists of 6 protons and 6 neutrons. Carbon-13 (13C) is also stable, representing 1.11% of the carbon present on Earth, and its nucleus contains 6 protons and 7 neutrons. And carbon-14 (14C) is a radioactive isotope of carbon, present in a very small amount. Its nucleus contains 6 protons and 8 neutrons.

Carbon life time

The half-life of carbon-14 is 5730 years. Half-life is the time it takes for the concentration of an element or compound that decays – as in the case of radioactive elements – to decrease by half. Carbon-14 is constantly being formed as a result of reactions that occur between neutrons from cosmic rays and nitrogen atoms in the upper layers of the atmosphere. The neutron replaces one of the protons of a nitrogen atom and converts it into a carbon-14 atom. In this way, the production of carbon-14 is constant and is present in the atmosphere in very small quantities. The carbon-14 atoms react with gaseous oxygen to form radioactive carbon dioxide molecules, which are absorbed by plants in photosynthesis. Creatures that eat plants and creatures that feed on creatures that eat plants all contain the same proportion of radioactive carbon-14. When the organism dies, carbon ingestion ceases, and the carbon already present in the organism decays. Therefore, the age of an object can be determined by measuring the amount of carbon-14 present in a sample of the object. This method provides an absolute scale for dating objects between 1,000 and 20,000 years old. W. F. Libby was awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1960 for the development of the radiocarbon dating technique.

Coal allotropes

Allotropy is the property of some simple substances to have different molecular structures. Molecules consisting of a single element and having different molecular structures are called allotropes. Throughout much of history, two common allotropes of carbon have been known: graphite and diamond. Both are crystalline (i.e., they consist of an ordered molecular structure) and the atoms are bonded with strong covalent bonds. Recently, however, a whole new family of allotropes, such as fullerenes, has been identified.

Diamond

Diamond has a tetrahedral structure, in which each carbon atom is bonded to four other carbon atoms by covalent bonds. In other words, its crystals form a volume in three spatial dimensions: length, width and depth. The stability of the bond between its atoms gives it very particular characteristics: it is the hardest natural material on Earth; its stability prevents electrons from moving through it, making it an electrical insulator; however, the rigid bond between its atoms makes it an excellent thermal conductor: about five times better than copper (and this is because the vibration of an atom that receives heat is transmitted to the others with great efficiency, due to the rigidity of the structure). Its density is 3.5 ^g/cm3.

Graphite

The structure of graphite is very different from that of diamond. Graphite is composed of sheets of carbon atoms called “graphene”, parallel to each other. The distance between the carbon sheets is relatively large, so the attraction between the layers is very weak. This explains its most interesting properties: ability to conduct electricity, because the electrons move along the plates; it is an excellent lubricant because the sheets of carbon atoms can slide over each other; it adsorbs (traps by intermolecular attractions) gas molecules between the layers. For this reason, many chemists argue that the graphite sheets actually slide on “ball bearings”, which are the gas molecules. Graphite is used in lubricants, as an electrode and as mixtures of graphite and clay in lead pencils. The higher the proportion of clay, the “harder” the pencil. The ordinary mixture is designated “HB”. Mixtures with more clay (harder) are designated by various “H” numbers, e.g., “2H”, and mixtures with higher graphite content (softer) are assigned various “B” numbers.

Graphene plate

Graphite can be converted into diamond at high pressures (50,000 atmospheres) and temperatures (^1600oC). In fact, it is a process that is applied industrially. The diamonds obtained do not have the aesthetic characteristics suitable for use as gems, but are applied in drills for drilling very hard materials.

The discovery of a new series of carbon allotropes should be regarded as an unexpected finding. Fullerenes constitute a family of structures in which the carbon atoms are arranged in a spherical or ellipsoidal structure. To build such structures, the carbon atoms form five- and six-membered rings in a pattern similar to the lines on a soccer ball (the first name given to C60 was futbolene). The 60-membered sphere, C60, buckminsterfullerene, is the easiest to prepare and, from an aesthetic point of view, the most beautiful, as it is a perfect sphere. The 70-membered sphere, C70, is the next common fullerene available. The ellipsoidal structure of this allotrope resembles a football or rugby ball.

This family of allotropes is named after R. Buckminster Fuller, a 20th century genius. Its name is particularly associated with the geodesic dome, an architectural design of enormous strength, which has the same structural arrangement as the C60 molecule. Fullerenes can also form tubes with the same type of structure (“buckitubes”). Now that we know about the existence of these molecules, they are popping up everywhere. Ordinary soot contains fullerenes, and they have been found in natural graphite deposits. Some astrochemists argue that these molecules exist in great abundance in interstellar space.

The chemistry of these novel molecules is now a field of intense research, and the molecules are already commercially available.

Amorphous or semigraphitic carbon forms

An amorphous carbon is one in which the carbon chains that make it up do not have a crystalline arrangement, as in the case of graphite or diamond. And a semi-graphitic carbon is a carbon in which a certain proportion of it is graphitic. The main uses of carbon are as an energy source and as a reducing agent. An impure form of coal is used for these purposes: coke. This material is produced by heating hard coal in the absence of air, a process in which the complex structure of the coal is destroyed, the hydrocarbons evaporate and the residue is a porous, low-density, silvery solid with an almost metallic appearance. The compounds that evaporate represent a huge problem as they are carcinogenic. Coke is used in iron production. Carbon black is a finely pulverized form of carbon. It is a micrographite produced by incomplete combustion of organic materials and is used in extraordinarily large quantities. Carbon black is mixed with rubber to give tires strength and reduce wear. About 3 kg are used per average tire, and it is the carbon content that gives it its black color. Another form of carbon that is known as activated carbon has a very large surface area, typically between 500 and 1500^m2/g. Its large surface area makes it a great adsorbent of covalent compounds (a typical characteristic of organic molecules). Carbon blocks are of industrial importance as electrodes in electrochemical and thermodynamic processes. For example, around 7.5 million tons of carbon are used every year in aluminum processing alone. And, of course, in the summer there is always an increase in charcoal consumption in domestic meat roasters.

Carbonates and bicarbonates

The carbon atom also forms inorganic compounds that are very common in the earth’s crust and in both fresh and salt water: carbonates, CO₃–². And bicarbonates, HCO₃–¹. The most common are sodium, calcium and magnesium. These compounds, together with the hydroxides, are what is known as “alkalinity” in water.

What is the carbon cycle called?

Carbon atoms can form organic molecules at a given time, and inorganic molecules at another time. The series of transformations that this element undergoes is called the “carbon cycle”. This text does not pretend to mention exhaustively the main characteristics of the compounds in which the carbon atom participates. Some of these compounds are of enormous interest to human beings. There is, for example, the subject of the greenhouse effect of carbon dioxide,_CO2, in the Earth’s atmosphere; the subject of biochar, which is so beneficial for the cultivation of many plants; the subject of carbon monoxide, CO, with such high toxicity for aerobic animals; the subject of carbides…

Author:
Germán Groso Cruzado

Bibliography of carbon cycle contents

Choppin, G. R., B. Jaffe, L. Summerlin and L. Jackson, CHEMISTRY, Cultural Publications, Mexico, 1974. Carbon Cycle. Marsh, H., E. A. Heintz and F. Rodríguez-Reinoso (Eds.), INTRODUCTION TO CARBON TECHNOLOGIES, Publicaciones de la Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, 1997. Carbon cycle. Morrison, R. T. and R. N Boyd, QUÍMICA ORGÁNICA, 3rd Ed., Fondo de Cultura Interamericano, Mexico, 1976. Carbon cycle. Rayner-Canham, G., QUÍMICA INORGÁNICA DESCRIPTIVA, 2nd Ed., Pearson Educación, México, 2000. Carbon Cycle.

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One of the main applications of granular activated carbon is water purification. Its function is the retention of organic contaminants and the elimination, by chemical reaction, of the residual free chlorine that remains in the water after the disinfection stage. This is why silver is applied to the carbon.

The elimination of free chlorine takes place in the first few centimeters of the carbon bed, so that the rest of the bed is no longer protected against the development of free chlorine. development bacterial growth. Tarde o temprano, pueden incidir bacterias que provienen de un influente mal desinfectado, o de algún punto de la tubería del efluente. Esto sucede, principalmente cuando no circula el agua, mientras el equipo está fuera de servicio. Las bacteria reproduce, and turn the charcoal bed into a source of contamination.

In order to inhibit bacterial growth, the surface of the charcoal is impregnated with metallic silver. The resulting charcoal is called bacteriostatic.

But…

What about its effects on health?

Silver has negative effects on humans only in very high doses. In cases of chronic ingestion of this metal (average daily ingestion doses of 0.14 μg per kg body weight for 70 years) it can cause argyria, which consists of an irreversible blue-gray coloration of the skin. This effect does not alter any functional organ, and is therefore considered as a cosmetic defect.

No mutagenic or carcinogenic effects have been found and, therefore, silver has not been classified as a carcinogen.

Originally, the World Health Organization recommended that drinking water should contain no more than 0.05 parts per million of this element. Legislation in several countries, in

The Mexican Health Ministry set this value as the maximum permissible value for drinking water. Currently, due to the evidence of its relative harmlessness, the maximum permissible limits have become more lax, and for example, in the United States and Mexico, this value is 0.1 mg/liter.

In order to comply with drinking water standards, it is important that the silver impregnated in activated carbon is sufficiently well bound to the carbon to prevent its release into the water. Such release, in addition to causing non-compliance with the standard, means that the carbon will lose its bacteriostatic protection in a shorter period of time.

METHODS OF SILVER IMPREGNATION IN ACTIVATED CARBON

Not all methods of silver impregnation in activated carbon achieve a good fixation of this metal. Basically three methods are known: colloidal silver, chemical and electrochemical.

Colloidal Silver

The colloidal silver method consists of preparing a solution in which silver is found as a colloid. A colloid is a physical state at the boundary between a suspended and a dissolved solid. The colloidal silver solution has the appearance of a silver paint. Activated carbon is bathed with it, so that the silver is applied as a coat of paint.

Unfortunately, the silver does not remain sufficiently fixed, and therefore it is easily released into the water.

*Because of the above, the colloidal silver impregnation method has been declared unacceptable in the United States.

Chemical impregnation

The chemical impregnation method consists of a reaction between ionic silver dissolved in an aqueous solution and carbon subjected to pre-oxidation. It is a reduction reaction at high temperature, in which the silver is chemically bonded to the carbon.

The chemical impregnation method achieves good fixation and is therefore permitted in the United States as well as in Europe and Japan. However, there is always a small proportion of silver that is released into the treated water. Therefore, the carbon remains bacteriostatic for a relatively short period of time.

Electrochemical

Finally, the electrochemical method consists of the deposition of silver on the carbon surface by means of an electric current that causes the reduction of the silver. This method achieves a much better metal-carbon fixation, so it is considered the most acceptable method.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BACTERICIDAL AGENT AND A BACTERIOSTATIC AGENT

A bactericidal agent is one that is applied to a fluid in order to kill the bacteria contained in it. Examples of bactericidal agents for water purification are chlorine, iodine, ozone, chlorine dioxide, chloramines and silver ions. The latter are dosed by electrolysis, starting from a silver anode, in which an electric current causes the oxidation of the metal, which is released into the water in its ionic state (Ag +). On the contrary, a bacteriostatic agent is not dosed into the fluid, but remains fixed in the solid. Therefore, charcoal impregnated with silver is bacteriostatic, but not bactericidal. That is to say, it fulfills the function of inhibiting bacterial growth on its surface, but does not guarantee the annihilation of microorganisms in case they are carried by the water in relatively high concentrations.

METHOD FOR QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF SILVER CONTENT IMPREGNATED ON ACTIVATED CARBON

The fixation of silver by chemical and electrochemical methods is not simple because of the difficulty with which it can be detached from the carbon surface to be extracted in a liquid in which the concentration of silver can be analyzed. To achieve a good analysis, a double extraction is necessary: firstly, with a nitric acid solution, at reflux. Secondly, with ammonium hydroxide solution, also at reflux.

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BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES

1. De Zuane, J.: HANDBOOK OF WATER QUALITY, 2ª. Ed., Wiley, N.Y., 1997.
2. Budavari, S. (Ed.): THE MERCK INDEX, 12ª. Ed., Merck & Co., Inc., N.J., 1996.
3. Groso, G.: GRANULAR ACTIVATED CARBON IN WATER TREATMENT.Aconcagua, Mexico, 1997
4. Nalco: WATER MANUALVolume III, Mc Graw Hill, Mexico, 1989.
5. U.S.E.P.A., Office of Water: “SILVER. Drinking Water Health Advisory”, April 1991.

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Corrosive or fouling water?

All water can be corrosive, scaling or balanced, regardless of whether it is potable. When it is corrosive, it affects the most easily oxidizable metals, such as galvanized steel or copper. Its tendency to corrode or scale depends on the type and quantity of inorganic compounds dissolved in it. One of the first characteristics that we should know about the water we receive at home or in the company is this tendency.

We must not lose sight of the fact that we are not referring to a health issue, but rather to an issue of the impact on the pipes and water treatment equipment.

There are five parameters that determine the trend of a water: pH, total hardness, total alkalinity, total dissolved solids and temperature.

The pH measures the concentration of acids that dissociate when dissolved in water. It can have values between 0 and 14. A pH of 7 means neutrality. A pH less than 7 corresponds to acidic water, and a pH greater than 7 corresponds to alkaline water. The lower the pH, the more acidic the water, and therefore the more corrosive. Vice versa, the higher the pH, the more incrusting the water.

Hardness is a measure of the concentration of dissolved calcium and magnesium in water. These cations tend to scale more than any other, so the higher the hardness, the greater the scaling tendency of a water.

Total alkalinity is a measure of the concentration of carbonates, bicarbonates and hydroxides in water. All of these tend to scale, so water with a high total alkalinity tends to be scaling.

Total dissolved solids and temperature increase the corrosive or fouling tendency given by the combination of the above parameters (pH, hardness and alkalinity).

One of the most commonly used indices to determine the corrosive or scaling tendency of a water is the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI). When this has values between -0.5 and 0.5, the water is balanced (the best state of equilibrium occurs when the ISL is 0.0). When the ISL is greater than 0.5, the water is very fouling, and when the ISL is less than -0.5, it is very corrosive. In the latter two cases, it is necessary to correct the tendency of the water. This can be done in several ways (adding an acid or an alkali, softening, osmotizing, dealkalizing…).

Balanced water is best, but what most affects the treatment equipment is fouling water. This is because the internal parts of the equipment (activated carbon, ion exchange resins, reverse osmosis membranes, quartz tubes of UV lamps, etc.) become encrusted and lose their capacity to treat water.

When a water softener is installed, it is common for the water to become corrosive. Therefore, before doing so, it is necessary to consult a water technician to avoid this condition.

From all this, before anything else, it is necessary to determine the ISL of the water, to know if it has a tendency to corrode or scale, and, if so, to act accordingly.

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Contact time (alternative activated carbon)

This is the time that the flowing water remains in contact with the carbon. If this time is less than required, the carbon is not able to destroy free chlorine (which occurs by chemical reaction with the carbon) and to retain organic matter. The minimum contact time required depends on the average particle size of the carbon and the contaminant content of the water.

Backwash flow

The water flows downward through the carbon bed, so the carbon particles become compacted and stick together. This makes backwashing necessary to loosen them. If backwashing is not performed frequently and with sufficient flow for the bed to expand, the coal bed ends up cracking and the water begins to flow, no longer through the coal particles, but through the cracks. As a result, the water is no longer purified. In these cases, the user often believes that the carbon is saturated, which is not the case.

How can we know what backwash flow rate and contact time are appropriate?

By asking simple questions about the water and your process conditions, Carbotecnia engineers can calculate the contact time and flow rate required for the coal to operate properly.

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Pesticides and herbicides are used to control weeds, insects and other pests. The chemicals can kill organisms such as grasshoppers or caterpillars. Pesticides also help prevent diseases in crops such as strawberries or potatoes by killing fungi that cause infections. Herbicides kill weeds that compete with crops for nutrients and sunlight.

Runoff

Runoff is rain or snowmelt that runs off the land. It carries chemicals and other pollutants into the water, which can contaminate drinking water. Runoff can result from agriculture, construction, and urban development. Runoff also results from forest fires and other natural disasters that cause soil erosion into streams and rivers.

Fertilizers

Fertilizers are used to improve soil quality. They may contain herbicides, pesticides and heavy metals. Fertilizers may also contain nitrates and phosphates that can be harmful to human health if they enter water sources.

Pesticide drift

Pesticide drift is the accidental release of pesticides into the air, which can travel long distances and contaminate water sources. Pesticides are chemicals designed to kill pests such as insects, rodents and weeds. They are often sprayed on crops or used in other ways, such as fumigation (introduction of gas into enclosed spaces).

Pesticides can be released into the environment in several ways:

• By direct application on plants or the surrounding soil;
• When swept away by wind currents;
• When agricultural machinery passes over treated areas;
• Through runoff after rain storms

Aquaculture

Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic animals and plants. Aquaculture can be harmful to the environment, as it pollutes both air and water. Aquaculture has been gaining popularity since the 1960s, when scientists began experimenting with fish farming. Today, it is one of the fastest growing industries on earth; by some estimates, aquaculture could be worth as much as $200 billion by 2030!

Waterfowl and small animals are most at risk.

The animals most at risk are waterfowl and small animals. These creatures can be poisoned by pesticides, and are also vulnerable to contamination from pesticides sprayed on nearby crops or grass. If you see dead fish in your local lake or pond, it may be due to runoff from fields treated with herbicides such as Roundup (glyphosate). If you are concerned about the safety of your drinking water supply or if you notice unusual wildlife activity around your property after pesticides have been applied nearby, talk to your local health department about next steps.

How does activated carbon work to remove pesticides and herbicides?

Activated carbon is a substance that adsorbs organic chemicals. This means that it removes toxins and other contaminants from water by binding to them so that they do not enter the body. It works by adsorption, which is when one molecule binds to another molecule in a way that increases the mass of the molecules, but does not change their chemical identity. Activated carbon has a large surface area compared to its mass. This means that it is able to adsorb more organic chemicals than other materials of similar size, and because this process occurs at such high rates (typically for extended periods), activated carbon can be used for many different types of decontamination tasks. Activated carbon has been used successfully in water treatment plants and water purification plants since the late 19th century; today it is also found in many domestic water treatment systems designed specifically to remove pesticides and herbicides from drinking water sources such as lakes or rivers.

Conclusion on pesticide and herbicide contamination

In conclusion, there are many ways that pesticides and herbicides can contaminate water. Runoff from agricultural fields can carry these chemicals into streams and rivers, while fertilizers used to grow crops also contribute to this problem. Pesticide drift occurs when wind carries tiny particles of pesticides from the target plants to nearby bodies of water, where they are absorbed by aquatic organisms such as fish or birds. Aquaculture is another cause of water pollution, as fish farms often use chemicals to keep their populations healthy.  

If you need more information or a quote, please contact us:

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Access to water is a fundamental human right that, over the years, has been at the center of various public policies in Mexico. With the National Water Plan 2024-2030, the Government of Mexico has taken a significant step in redefining the nation’s relationship with this essential resource. This plan seeks to ensure water sustainability, equity in access and protection of water resources for future generations. In this article, we will explore the key points of this plan, its main lines of action, the projected investment and the role of companies in its fulfillment. In addition, we will integrate the direct experience of the actors involved to offer a complete view of the subject.

What is the National Water Plan?

The National Water Plan (PNH) 2024-2030 is a comprehensive strategy promoted by the Government of Mexico with the aim of transforming the way water is managed in the country. President Claudia Sheinbaum has highlighted that this plan conceives water as a human right and an asset of the nation, moving away from the mercantilist vision that has prevailed in previous decades. This new perspective is based on the idea that all citizens should have equal access to water, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.

Main lines of action of the National Water Plan

The plan is articulated around four main axes, which in turn are broken down into strategic actions and projects of great impact for the nation.

1️⃣ Water policy and national sovereignty.

This axis focuses on guaranteeing that the control and administration of water is the responsibility of the State. To achieve this, current water concessions will be reviewed and efforts will be made to recover those that are not being used efficiently.

Key actions:

• Review of concessions: Identification of inactive concessions and their recovery to allocate the resource for human consumption.
• Voluntary return of concessions: Encouragement of the return of unused concessions by companies, facilitating their use for the population.

“The Presidency of Mexico presented the National Water Plan 2024-2030, where the importance of recovering unused concessions and incentivizing their return to prioritize human access to water was highlighted.”

2️⃣ Justice in access to water

The aim is to correct the historical inequality in access to water in different regions of the country, prioritizing the communities that need it most.

Key actions:

• Water infrastructure projects: Implementation of a Master Plan in coordination with state and municipal governments.
• Access to potable water: Aqueducts and desalination plants will be developed for areas with high water scarcity.
• Strategic projects: 16 high-impact projects are contemplated, including dams, desalination plants and flood protection works.

“The implementation of a Master Plan between the federal government, states and municipalities has been proposed, with the objective of guaranteeing access to drinking water throughout the country.”

3️⃣ Mitigation of environmental impacts and adaptation to climate change

Climate change has highlighted the fragility of water resources. With this axis, the plan seeks to protect rivers, lakes and other bodies of water through sanitation and environmental restoration measures.

Key actions:

• Restoration of key rivers such as the Lerma-Santiago river, the Atoyac river and the Tula river.
• Elimination of pollutant discharges: Reforestation and elimination of industrial pollutant discharges will be promoted.
• Construction of water treatment plants: Implementation of new treatment plants and rehabilitation of existing ones.

“The sanitation of water bodies is a priority, highlighting the cleaning and restoration of the Lerma-Santiago, Atoyac and Tula rivers, along with the elimination of polluting discharges.”

4️⃣ Comprehensive and transparent water management

This axis focuses on transparency and accountability in water management, with the creation of citizen oversight mechanisms and the updating of the regulatory framework.

Key actions:

• National water registry for welfare: Creation of a public registry system that allows citizens to consult the status of concessions.
• Inspections and citizen complaints: Encouraging citizen participation in reporting irregularities.
• Reform of the National Water Law: Regulations will be reformed to prevent speculation and corruption in water administration.

“The creation of the National Registry of Water for Wellbeing has been proposed, as well as the implementation of citizen complaint channels to monitor water use.”

Investment and financing of the National Water Plan

The Government of Mexico has projected an investment of approximately 20 billion pesos by 2025 to promote the projects included in the plan. This investment seeks to finance water infrastructure, irrigation technification and river sanitation. In addition, the signing of the National Agreement for the Human Right to Water and Sustainability is proposed, with the participation of agricultural, industrial, academic and community sectors. This agreement encourages the return of unused water volumes and private investment to make more efficient use of the resource.

What Carbotecnia could contribute to

Companies specializing in water treatment and water resource recovery, such as Carbotecnia, play a key role in achieving the objectives of the National Water Plan. The experience and technology of private sector companies will be essential to achieve the recovery and reuse of water from rivers and lakes.

How can Carbotecnia help?

• Water treatment solutions: Implementation of advanced technologies for water reclamation.
• Recovery of concessioned water: Helps companies comply with the return of unused water volumes.
• River reforestation systems: Active participation in the restoration of key rivers mentioned in the plan.

“At Carbotecnia, solutions can be offered to help companies comply with this plan, especially those that need to recover or use water from rivers, lakes and other bodies of water.”

Impact of the National Water Plan on society

The impact of this strategy will be profound and lasting. The following benefits are expected to be achieved with the implementation of the plan’s axes:

• Equitable access to water: More families will have access to safe and consistent drinking water.
• Reduction of river and lake pollution: The restoration and cleanup of the Lerma-Santiago, Atoyac and Tula rivers will be a benchmark of success.
• Citizen participation: With the implementation of the National Registry of Water for Wellbeing, the population will have an active role in monitoring water resources.
• Economic development: Technification of agricultural irrigation and improvement of water infrastructure will generate economic opportunities for rural communities.

Contact us to join you

The National Water Plan 2024-2030 is a bold commitment to a new way of managing, protecting and taking advantage of the most vital resource for life: water. The Presidency of Mexico has established a clear roadmap with strategic axes, solid investment and the participation of various sectors of society. With the contribution of specialized companies such as Carbotecnia, the fulfillment of this plan will not only be possible, but also sustainable. The recovery of concessions, water infrastructure and transparent water management will be the pillars that will mark a new era for water in Mexico.

Source: Presenta Conagua Plan Nacional Hídrico | Comisión Nacional del Agua | Gobierno | gob.mx

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Why are disc filters so important?

In any water treatment system, equipment protection is critical to ensure efficient and long-lasting operation. Disc filters play a crucial role in this task, acting as an initial barrier that prevents large particles from clogging downstream equipment.

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Deep well water seeps naturally into the ground and can be in very good condition. However, depending on the type of soil, contamination points near the well may have bacteria, organic elements and minerals harmful to health. The well water treatment process consists of eliminating from the water the parameters that affect the health or specific use that a process or equipment requires.

Analyze water and soil quality

Much of the minerals and compounds in the water are due to the composition of the soil. Also, there could be infiltrations of sewage with bacteria (such as Giardia or Cryptosporidium) that are imperceptible to the sense of smell, nor do they have a taste or appearance to the naked eye. The wells may be affected by urban or domestic discharges near the property or because polluting industrial activities may have been carried out there.

Before any other step, the first thing to do is to make a water analysis. We recommend looking for a certified laboratory near your location that is capable of having the most reliable results. It must be taken into account that for the bacteriological analysis to be valid, it must be carried out within a period of no more than 4 hours.

We recommend a physical-chemical analysis, in addition to iron and microorganisms (viruses, bacteria and parasites).

In addition to color, odor, turbidity, pH, fixed residue, conductivity, hardness, calcium, magnesium, alkalinity, sulfate, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, residual chlorine and oxidability.

Before starting to treat water, it is important to know its origin and quality. The source is the place where your well or spring is located. Water quality depends on several factors:

• Water hardness – A measure of the amount of calcium and magnesium ions present in water (measured in ppm).
• Water temperature – Temperature affects both taste and odor. The colder it gets outside, the more likely you are to notice a difference in taste because lower temperatures cause freezing inside the pipes that carry hot and cold water throughout your home or commercial building.

The parameters of physicochemical analysis of water to make it potable for human consumption, as established by Standard 127 NOM-127-SSA1-1994 for human use, require a series of tests on the water to check the permissible limits of water quality and, in turn, the treatments described below. We have the service of water analysis, but we put at your disposal a directory of laboratories tested by CONAGUA: Comisión Nacional del Agua (conagua.gob.mx) by state.

Flow rate of water to be treated from the well

Water flow or flow rate refers to the amount of water flowing in a given time through a channel, pipe or other conduit. It is measured in units of volume per unit of time, for example: liters per second (LPS) or gallons per minute (GPM) or cubic meters per hour (m³/h).

Water flow can be affected by several factors, such as diameter and shape of the conduit, water velocity, viscosity of the liquid, temperature, pressure and density of the water, among others. It can also be affected by external factors, such as gravity, terrain inclination and wind force. Water flow is important in many applications, such as drinking water supply, irrigation, treatment and purification.

Therefore, it is important to know the flow of water to be treated in order to size the treatment equipment.

Well water disinfection

Chlorination

Chlorination is a chemical process that uses chlorine to disinfect water. In this process, a small amount of chlorine is added to the well water and allowed to stand for at least 30 minutes before use. In this way, bacteria are eliminated from the well and for disinfection.

Chlorine is one of the most effective disinfectants available; however, it can be toxic if used incorrectly or in large quantities over time (i.e., if large quantities are drunk). If you choose this method to treat your well water, be sure to follow these safety tips:

• Use only normal household bleach (5% sodium hypochlorite) diluted in water according to the manufacturer’s instructions on the label. Do not use bleaches with added scents or cleaning agents because they can produce harmful by-products when mixed with other chemicals such as ammonia from urine or nitrates from fertilizers that are dumped into nearby streams or rivers where people regularly bathe without wearing protective clothing such as goggles/masks, etc., which can cause serious health problems later on.

More information on water disinfection using free and combined chlorine

Chlorine dioxide

Chlorine dioxide is an oxidant used in the disinfection of drinking water. This disinfecting agent is effective in eliminating viruses, bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms that may be present in water.

The effectiveness of chlorine dioxide disinfection is due to its ability to react with proteins and other cellular components of microorganisms, causing their inactivation or death. In addition, chlorine dioxide can also oxidize organic compounds present in the water, which helps to eliminate some unpleasant tastes and odors.

Another advantage of chlorine dioxide is that it can maintain its disinfectant activity in the presence of organic matter, such as algae and other contaminants (it does not disintegrate organic matter as easily due to its low oxidizing spectrum). This means that even in situations where the water is more turbid or contains more impurities, chlorine dioxide is still effective in eliminating microorganisms. Disinfection of drinking well water with chlorine dioxide is an effective technique for removing microorganisms and other contaminants from water, which helps ensure that the water is safe to drink.

More information on systems Chlorine dioxide as a water disinfectant

Ozone

The disinfection of well water with ozone is an effective process to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms present in the water, since it is the oxidant with more oxidative potential than the previous ones. Ozone is a highly reactive gas that can penetrate the cells of microorganisms and oxidize their cellular components, inactivating or killing the microorganisms.

In addition to being effective in removing microorganisms, ozone can also help remove organic compounds, including unpleasant tastes and odors, organic and chemical compounds, and heavy metals.

Another advantage of ozone is that it leaves no toxic chemical residues in the treated water, as it decomposes after a few hours in oxygen after use. This means that ozone does not introduce new contaminants into drinking water.

However, ozone is an unstable disinfecting agent and its effectiveness can be affected by the quality of the water and the ozone dose used. It is important to carefully monitor the ozone disinfection process to ensure its effectiveness and safety. In addition, it is important to keep in mind that ozone is a toxic gas and can be hazardous to health if not handled properly.

More information on ozone water disinfection systems

Ultraviolet UV light

In relation to the previous oxidants, UV light does not add a chemical element to the water, it does not change the composition of the water, nor does it generate by-products with its degradation. The disinfection of drinking water with ultraviolet (UV) light is an effective process for eliminating pathogenic microorganisms present in water. UV light is capable of penetrating the DNA of microorganisms and damaging their cellular structure, which impedes their ability to reproduce and ultimately survive within seconds.

The effectiveness of UV light disinfection depends on several factors, such as water quality, the amount of microorganisms present, and the intensity and duration of UV light exposure. Therefore, it is important to use the appropriate dose of UV light to ensure that the microorganisms are effectively inactivated. As mentioned, one of the advantages of UV disinfection is that it does not use chemicals and does not produce toxic by-products. In addition, UV light does not alter the taste, odor or color of water, and is effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses and protozoa. But by not leaving a residual, the water could be re-contaminated after treatment.

More information in How does ultraviolet UV light work for water disinfection?

Deep bed sediment filter

Deep bed filtration is the first step in well water treatment and uses filter media such as anthracite, silica sand, garnet or a silica gravel support base. The filter media is placed in a filter tank so that there is a large surface area exposed to the water flowing through it.

The main advantage of deep bed filters over other types of systems is that they remove sediment before it enters the pipes. As a result, it also protects subsequent raisins from sediments that can affect activated carbon equipment and softeners. In addition, they are usually easier to maintain than other types of systems, as they use fewer chemicals. It is important to perform backwashes with a certain frequency to avoid pressure drops and bed petrification.

Deep bed filters are more effective than other types of well water filters because they can remove particles down to 10 microns in size.

More information on the systems: How is a deep-bedded bed composed? Dual or Multimedia and What is deep bed filtration?

Filter for iron and manganese removal

A catalytic filter to remove iron and manganese is a good solution. Iron and manganese are common in well water, but can be removed with a catalyst. To ensure that you get the best results from your filter, it is important to install it correctly and maintain it regularly.

More information on Iron and Manganese Removal Systems

Activated carbon treatment

Activated carbon treatment is one of the most common methods of removing organic compounds and chlorine from well water. Activated carbon systems remove undesirable tastes, odors and organic colors from water. Activated carbon is one of the most widely used and economical purifiers available, but like the deep bed filter it requires regular backwashing to remove some retained solids, but above all to decompact the carbon bed so that it does not petrify.

Heavy metals, such as lead or mercury, are not removed by this method; however, if you know that your well water has been contaminated with heavy metals, it may be necessary to install an additional system such as reverse osmosis.

More information about the systems Porous carbon How does activated carbon purify?

Softening or softening of hard water

Hard water is water with a high calcium and magnesium content. These minerals make it difficult for soap and detergents to lather, so you may need more than usual to wash your clothes or dishes. Hard water can also leave mineral deposits in kitchen mixers (faucets), showerheads, water heaters, and pipes.

Hard water softening is a process that removes these scale-causing minerals from the water supply before it enters the plumbing system. The water softener is a complete system in which all water is passed through this system before it enters the system for distribution or use (this is called hard water treatment). Both methods consist of exchanging Calcium and Magnesium for Sodium; this adds Sodium ions in an ion exchange of Calcium and Magnesium already present in the supply line.

We recommend using automatic regeneration systems, because it requires several steps to be carried out and it may not be properly done by a person doing it manually.

More information in What is a water softener?

Reverse osmosis for brackish water

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a process that uses pressure to pass water through a membrane to remove contaminants. Reverse osmosis is used to purify water, desalinate brackish and seawater, and treat wastewater.

Reverse osmosis works by applying pressure to both sides of a semi-permeable membrane, forcing pure liquid through and rejecting larger molecules or particles that do not dissolve in solution. The resulting product is called “permeate” and contains most of the dissolved matter of the raw water, but none of its impurities or contaminants, such as bacteria or viruses*.

If you have brackish well water with high salinity levels and high mineral content, reverse osmosis can be an effective way to obtain potable water from this system.

More information in What is reverse osmosis?

Is it possible to drink well water?

The answer to this question is yes. It is possible to drink well water, but you should take some precautions. If you have a private well, it is important that you test the water regularly and make sure that it is free of bacteria and contaminants such as arsenic or lead (in any case apply the treatment with the above steps including reverse osmosis).

Well water is a great source of drinking water; sometimes, it can be difficult to treat. Make sure you have the proper equipment and know what you are doing before attempting to make well water potable.

If you need more information or a quote, please contact us:

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Physical activation:

In physical activation, charcoal is heated to high temperatures in the absence of air or with a limited amount of oxygen. This process causes the thermal decomposition of the organic components of the coal and leads to the formation of pores in its structure. The increase in temperature and exposure to certain gases during this process will determine the size and shape of the pores in the resulting activated carbon.

Chemical activation:

Chemical activation involves the use of chemical agents, such as acids and bases, together with high temperatures, to create the porous structure in charcoal. These chemical agents break down certain components of the carbon and contribute to the formation of pores.

The activation process can be tightly controlled to achieve different characteristics of the activated carbon, such as pore size, adsorption capacity and adsorption selectivity for certain compounds. The resulting activated carbon is used in a variety of applications, such as water and air purification, pollutant removal, adsorption of toxins in cases of poisoning, and more.

It is important to note that the activation process may vary depending on the type of plant material used to create the activated carbon, as well as the specific parameters used during activation (temperature, time, chemical agents, etc.). These factors will influence the final properties of the activated carbon and its ability to perform certain functions.

• Coconut shell activated carbon
• Wood activated carbon

Coconut shell activated charcoal.

At Carbotecnia we have coconut shell activated carbons that are first washed and dried. After carbonization, the activation process is carried out by means of high temperature steam.

One of its outstanding applications lies in the effective removal of both taste and color from water sources. In addition, coconut shell-derived activated carbon is highly effective in the process of clarifying water used in industrial applications. In the industrial field, water is often subjected to specific treatments to ensure its suitability for various processes.

Activated carbon obtained from coconut shells stands out as a high quality adsorbent due to its large surface area (240 – 280 m²/g), remarkable mechanical strength and hardness, as well as its low content of fine particles.

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  Micro 10 Activated carbon from coconut shells

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  Micro 4 LF Coconut shell activated carbon free of fines

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  Granular Activated Carbon, Pellet Activated Carbon, Coconut Shell Activated Carbon, Special or Impregnated Activated Carbons, Activated Carbon for Gases and Air

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  Vapomer – Activated Carbon for Mercury Vapors

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  Vapamon – Activated carbon for ammonia and amines

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  Carvapox – Activated carbon for alcohol, aldehyde and alkene vapors

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  Activated Carbon for Gases and Air, Coconut Shell Activated Carbon, Granular Activated Carbon, Pellet Activated Carbon, Special or Impregnated Activated Carbons

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  Carvacid – Activated carbon for acid and organic gases

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  Vapacid – Activated carbon for acid gases

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  Granular Activated Carbon, Pellet Activated Carbon, Coconut Shell Activated Carbon, Special or Impregnated Activated Carbons, Activated Carbon for Gases and Air

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  Carvapur 40 – Activated Carbon for Organic Gases

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  Powdered activated carbon, Coconut Shell Activated Carbon, Activated Carbon for liquids

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  Micropol 4 200 – Coconut shell powdered activated carbon

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  Biostat – Bacteriostatic activated carbon

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  Micro 4 LS – Acid-washed coconut shell granular activated carbon

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  Micro 4 Activated carbon for water purification

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Wood activated charcoal.

Wood-derived activated carbon is produced from natural sources such as sawdust, pine wood and bamboo. This type of activated carbon finds multiple applications in various industries. For example, it is widely used in the chemical industry to treat colored water, in the oil industry for the desulfurization of refinery furnaces, in the sugar industry to remove ash and volatiles, and in the pharmaceutical field for the removal of drug degradation products, among other fields of application.

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  Mega – Granular activated carbon wood decolorizer

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  Activated Carbon for liquids, Powdered activated carbon, Water Filtration Media, Wood Based Activated Carbons

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  Megapol E – Wood powdered activated charcoal

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  Powdered activated carbon, Wood Based Activated Carbons, Activated Carbon for liquids

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  Megapol C – Wood powder activated carbon

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  Granular Activated Carbon, Wood Based Activated Carbons, Activated Carbon for liquids

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  AA-3 Activated carbon to reduce color and flavor in tequila and other distilled spirits

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  Activated Carbon for liquids, Powdered activated carbon, Wood Based Activated Carbons

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  AAM Activated carbon for color removal in tequila and other distillates

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  Activated Carbon for liquids, Powdered activated carbon, Wood Based Activated Carbons

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  Megapol 28-4 Powdered activated carbon for decolorization of wines, sugar…

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Disinfection alternatives

Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional chlorine in the water disinfection process in various industrial and treatment applications. Although both substances share similarities in their disinfectant function, chlorine dioxide offers specific advantages that make it attractive in certain contexts.

Some of the benefits of using chlorine dioxide are the lower production of undesirable by-products such as chlorophenols that generate strong odors during chlorination. It also does not generate chlorinated hydrocarbons, which translates into greater safety during the disinfection process.

It is also worth mentioning that chlorine dioxide is effective over a wide range of pH values, so it can disinfect in waters with high variations in acidity.

La entrada What is Chlorination? Water disinfection method se publicó primero en Carbotecnia.

Softening

Multiple smoothing system

Although MTS systems are calibrated to handle the maximum flow rates required, special attention is also paid to maintaining the minimum flow rates necessary to avoid channeling. This phenomenon occurs when water does not distribute evenly through the resin bed, creating channels that allow hard water to pass through and reduce the effectiveness of softening (softening). In addition to these hydraulic adjustments, MTS systems are designed with proper sizing of control valves and flow meters in mind. Although larger equipment may represent a larger initial investment, accuracy at lower flows can be crucial to system efficiency, especially in regeneration and prevention of premature hardness breakage. In an effort to support environmental sustainability and economic efficiency, Canature WaterGroup’s MTS systems are optimized to use up to 50% less salt and water in regeneration processes. The MTS series not only reduces resource consumption, but is also accompanied by a fully programmable remote digital controller that ensures consistent and reliable softened water service 24 hours a day, every day of the week.

Filtration

MTS system for multimedia filters or activated carbon

For multimedia or activated carbon filters is an advanced solution designed to optimize water filtration in applications requiring high capacity and flexibility. This system uses multiple tanks that can operate in parallel or in sequence, allowing for customization and adaptation to the specific water demands of the facility. The MTS system is based on the use of several tanks that, depending on the configuration, may contain filter media such as activated carbon, which is excellent for removing chlorine, tastes, odors and organic compounds, or multimedia media, which is used to reduce turbidity and filter sediments of different sizes. Each tank in the system can be used or deactivated automatically according to water demand. This is achieved through a central controller that monitors water flow, quality and other relevant parameters. When a tank reaches its maximum filtration capacity, it can be regenerated or backwashed without interrupting the overall flow of water, as other tanks in the system will continue to operate.

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In Mexico, problems have been detected with pharmaceutical contaminants or drugs in bodies of water as well as contamination in water wells.

Pharmaceutical contaminants in water

• A study conducted by specialists from the Tecnológico de Monterrey compiles findings of contaminants in rivers and oceans in different parts of the world, including microscopic concentrations of drugs and narcotics.
• Contaminants from human activities in water bodies have become a global environmental problem. Although the concentrations found are not very high, chronic exposure could have repercussions on human health.
• In Mexico, there are studies dating from previous years on this problem, although due to lack of updating they were not considered in the aforementioned research.
• The presence of these contaminants in the water cycle is a worldwide environmental and public health problem. The importance of developing technology for the removal of these contaminants in the drinking water treatment process is emphasized.

Contamination in water wells

• The presence of high levels of arsenic in water wells has increased in Mexico, from 17 entities in 2012 to 24 in 2018.
• High arsenic concentrations have been recorded in wells in several cities and states, including Guadalajara, La Paz, Hermosillo, Villa de Cos, Tlajomulco and in 6 of Mexico City’s 16 municipalities.
• Arsenic and fluoride have reached levels above the maximum allowable levels according to the World Health Organization in wells throughout most of the country.
• Only a fraction of the water treatment plants in Mexico are capable of removing arsenic or fluoride, and many of them are not in operation, which aggravates the problem of contamination in drinking water.

These findings indicate a growing concern for water quality in Mexico, both in terms of pharmaceutical contamination in water bodies and contaminants such as arsenic and fluoride in water wells, which represents a significant challenge for public health and water resource management in the country.

When a person requires a water purification system for domestic or commercial use that will be used for human consumption, the ideal is to let us know the origin of the water, and the results of the analysis of the most important parameters of potability (such as those indicated in the NOM-127-SSA1-1994 standard), determined by an accredited laboratory. With this information we can suggest the simplest purification system that guarantees the potability of the treated water.

Some contaminants, such as chlorine, can be removed with a very simple activated carbon purifier, but other contaminants, such as nitrates, fluorides, arsenic and metals, require a more complete treatment system.

If the water source is a lake or river and if there are populations near the lake or river, the water will most likely contain numerous contaminants harmful to health.

In recent years, concern has arisen about the presence of drugs or pharmaceuticals in water, which for some reason may reach groundwater or surface water bodies. This is mentioned in the WHO technical report summarized in the article in the following link:

http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/emerging/info_sheet_pharmaceuticals/es/

Although the report mentions that drug levels in drinking water are usually too low to affect human health, a number of researchers have found that these (parts per billion) can seriously affect human cells. In fact, as the article mentions, there are a large number of substances that affect human health at very low doses.

The problem of groundwater contamination with drugs is an emerging issue of environmental and public health concern. This phenomenon occurs when residues of drugs and pharmaceuticals reach groundwater, an important source of drinking water. The general steps leading to this contamination are as follows:

Source of contamination

1. Use and disposal of medicines: Human and animal consumption of medicines is the starting point. Medicines are not always completely metabolized in the body and can therefore be excreted and reach wastewater in the form of active residues.
2. Improper disposal: In addition, improper disposal of medications, such as flushing them down the toilet or drain, contributes directly to their entry into the wastewater system.

Contamination process

1. Wastewater treatment: Wastewater, which may contain drug residues, is generally treated in wastewater treatment plants. However, many treatment systems are not designed to completely remove pharmaceutical compounds.
2. Infiltration into the subsoil: After treatment, the water may be released into the environment, where pharmaceutical residues may infiltrate into the subsoil and contaminate groundwater.
3. Agricultural and hospital contamination: Agricultural practices (such as the use of wastewater for irrigation) and hospital waste are also sources of pharmaceutical contamination of groundwater.

Impact on drinking water

1. Groundwater extraction: Groundwater is a common source of drinking water. When contaminated, pharmaceutical compounds can be extracted along with the water.
2. Purification limitations: Some drinking water purification systems are not equipped to completely filter out pharmaceutical residues, allowing these compounds to reach the drinking water supply.

Risks and concerns

• Health effects: Although concentrations are usually low, prolonged exposure to trace amounts of drugs in drinking water may have unknown effects on human health.
• Environmental impact: Drug residues in water can affect aquatic life, altering ecosystems and affecting the food chain.

Potential solutions

• Improve wastewater treatment systems: Develop and adopt technologies capable of eliminating pharmaceutical waste.
• Proper disposal practices: Educate the public on safe disposal of medications to minimize their entry into the water system.
• Monitoring and regulation: Increase groundwater monitoring and establish stricter limits for pharmaceutical contaminants.

For all of the above reasons, the technology we recommend to guarantee the potability of the water is reverse osmosis. Especially if there are children, elderly or immunocompromised persons in the household.

More information about reverse osmosis can be found at the following link: https://www.carbotecnia.info/encyclopedia/que-es-la-osmosis-inversa/

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