UNIT I WATER AND ITS TREATMENT

INTRODUCTION
Water is essential for the existence of human beings, animals and plants. Though 80%
of the earth’s surface is occupied by water, less than 1% of the water is available for
ready use.
The main sources of water are
 Rain
 rivers and lakes (surface water)
 wells and springs (groundwater)
 seawater

Among the above sources of water, rain water is the purest form of water but it is very
difficult to collect whereas sea water is the most impure form.
Thus, surface and ground water are normally used for industrial and domestic
purposes. Such water must be free from undesirable impurities.

“The process of removing all types of impurities from water and making it fit for
domestic or Industrial purposes are called water treatment.”

HARD WATER AND SOFTWATER

1. Hard Water
Water which does not produce lather with soap solution, but produces a white
precipitate is called hard water. It produces a white scum or precipitate.
This is due to the presence of dissolved Ca and Mg salts.
2C17 H35COONa + Ca2+ → (C17 H 35 COO) 2Ca +2Na+
Water soluble Water insoluble
2. Soft Water
Water which produces lather readily with soap solution is called soft water.
This is due to the absence of Ca and Mg salts.

HARDNESS
Hardness is a property or characteristics of water, which does not produce lather with
soap.
Hardness can be detected in two ways
1. Water is treated with soap solution (prevent lathering)
2. Water containing hardness gives wine red colour with EBT indicator at pH=9-10

Hardness is due to the presence of chlorides, sulphates and bicarbonates of calcium

and magnesium.
Types of Hardness
(1) Carbonate Hardness (or) Temporary Hardness
(2) Non-carbonate Hardness (or) Permanent Hardness
(1) Temporary (or) Carbonate Hardness:
This is due to the presence of bicarbonates of calcium and magnesium. It can be
removed by boiling the water or by adding lime to the water.
The bicarbonates present in water are converted into soluble carbonates and
hydroxides.
Ca(HCO3)2 —Δ→ CaCO3 + CO2 + H2O
Mg(HCO3)2 + 2 Ca(OH)2 → MgCO3 + CO2 + H2O
(Lime)

(2) Permanent (or) Non-carbonate hardness:

This is due to the presence of chlorides and sulphates of Ca and Mg. It cannot be removed
by boiling. It can be removed by (i) lime-soda process (ii) zeolite process.
CaCl2 + Na2CO3 2NaCl +CaCO3
(Soda)
CaSO4 + Na2Ze CaZe + Na2SO4
([Link])

Total Hardness = Temporary hardness + Permanent hardness.

Molecular weights of some hardness producing salts

Hardness Molecular Hardness Molecular
Producing salt weight producing salt weight
Ca(HCO3)2 162 MgSO4 120
Mg(HCO3)2 146 MgCO3 84
Mg(NO3)2 148 MgCl2 95
Ca(NO3)2 164 CaCl2 111
CaCO3 100 Ca2+ 40
CaSO4 136 Mg2+ 24

Expression of hardness in terms of equivalents of CaCO3

The amount of hardness producing salts is usually expressed in terms of an equivalent

amount of CaCO3.
CaCO3 is chosen as a standard because,
1. Its molecular weight (100) and equivalent weight (50) is a whole number, so the
Calculations in water analysis can be simplified.
2. It is the most insoluble salt, which can be precipitated in water treatment. If the
concentration of hardness producing salt is x mgs/L then
Units of Hardness
1. Parts per million (ppm)
It is defined as the number of parts of CaCO3 equivalent hardness per 106 parts of
water.
2. Milligrams per litre (mg/L)
It is defined as the number of milligrams of CaCO3 equivalent hardness per 1 liter of
water.
3. Clarke’s degree (°Cl)
It is defined as the number of parts of CaCO3 equivalent hardness per 70,000 parts of
water.
4. French degree (°Fr)
It is defined as the number of parts of CaCO3 equivalent hardness per 105 parts of
water.
Relationship between various units
1ppm = 1 mg/L = 0.1 °Fr = 0.07 °Cl

ESTIMATION OF HARDNESS BY EDTA METHOD (TOTAL, PERMANENT AND

TEMPORARY HARDNESS ESTIMATION)
EDTA - Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid. It is a very good complexing agent which is
insoluble in water so its disodium salt is used as a complexing agent

Principle
The hardness causing ions like Ca2+ and Mg2+ present in water can be estimated by titrating
with EDTA using Eriochrome-Black-T (EBT) indicator.
The pH to be maintained is between 8-10. pH is maintained using ammonia buffer solution
which is a mixture of NH4OH - NH4Cl.
When EBT indicator is added to the water sample it forms a wine red colored complex with
the Ca2+ and Mg2 ions present in water. This complex is an unstable complex. The solution
turns wine red.
The hard water is titrated against EDTA. It forms a stable EDTA complex. When all the
hardness causing ions are complexed the EBT indicator is set free. The solution now turns
steel blue. So at the endpoint colour change is from wine red to steel blue.

Preparation of solutions:
Standard Hard water solution:
Dissolve accurately weighed 1 g of CaCO3 in dilute HCl and make upto 1000 ml in a standard
flask.
EDTA Solution: It is prepared by dissolving 4 gms of EDTA in 1000 ml of distilled water.
EBT Indicator: 0.5 gms of EBT is dissolved in 100 ml of alcohol.
Buffer solution: 67.5 gms of [Link] 570 ml of NH3 are dissolved and the solution
is made upto 1000 ml using distilled water.
Procedure
Titration I – Standardisation of EDTA
1. EDTA is taken in the burette.
2. 20 ml of standard hard water is pipette into a clean conical flask.
3. 10 ml of ammonia buffer is added.
4. 4-5 drops of EBT indicator is added.
5. The solution turns wine red.
6. Now the solution is titrated against EDTA.
7. At the endpoint the wine red colour turns into steel blue.
8. The volume of EDTA is taken as V1 ml
Calculation
Volume of EDTA = V1 ml
Volume of standard hard water = 50 ml
1 ml of standard hard water = 1 mg of CaCO3
20 ml of standard hard water = 20 mg of CaCO3
20 ml of standard hard water = V1 ml of EDTA
1 ml of EDTA = 20 / V1 mgs of CaCO3 equivalent hardness

Titration II – Estimation of Total hardness

1. EDTA is taken in the burette.
2. 20 ml of sample hard water is pipetted into a clean conical flask.
3. 10 ml of ammonia buffer is added.
4. 4-5 drops of EBT indicator is added.
5. The solution turns wine red.
 6. Now the solution is titrated against EDTA.
7. At the endpoint the wine red colour turns into steel blue.
8. The volume of EDTA is taken as V2 ml
Calculation
Volume of EDTA = V2 ml
20 ml of the given sample hard water = V2 ml of EDTA
= V2 X 1 ml of EDTA = V2 X 20 / V1 mgs
Hardness in 20 ml of sample hard water = V2 X 20 / V1 mgs
Hardness in 1000 ml of sample hard water = V2 X 20 / V1 X 1000 /20
= 1000 X V2/ V1 ppm

Titration III – Estimation of Permanent hardness

1. EDTA is taken in the burette.
2. 100 ml of sample hard water is boiled in a 250ml beaker for 15 minutes.
3. The water is cooled and filtered and made upto 100 ml in a standard flask
4. 50ml of boiled sample hard water is pipetted into a conical flask
5. 10 ml of ammonia buffer is added.
6. 4-5 drops of EBT indicator is added.
7. The solution turns wine red.
8. Now the solution is titrated against EDTA.
9. At the endpoint the wine red colour turns into steel blue.
10. The volume of EDTA is taken as V3 ml

Calculation
Volume of EDTA = V2 ml
20 ml of the boiled sample hard water = V3 ml of EDTA
= V3 X 1 ml of EDTA = V2 X 20 / V1 mgs
Hardness in 20 ml of sample hard water = V3 X 20 / V1 mgs
Hardness in 1000 ml of sample hard water = V3 X 20 / V1 X 1000 /20
= 1000 X V3/ V1 ppm

Total hardness: 1000 X V2/ V1 ppm

Permanent hardness: 1000 X V3/ V1 ppm
Temporary hardness=Total hardness-Permanent hardness
= {1000 X V2/ V1 } – {1000 X V3/ V1 }
= {1000/ V1 (V2-V3)} ppm
ALKALINITY
Alkalinity is the acid neutralising ability of water. Depending on the anions that are
responsible for the alkalinity of water, there are three types of alkalinity.
1. Alkalinity – due to hydroxide ions
2. Carbonate alkalinity - due to carbonate ions
3. Bicarbonate alkalinity - due to bicarbonate ions

The alkalinity due to hydroxide and carbonate can be detected by Phenolphthalein

indicator and so they are collectively called as Phenolphthalein Alkalinity, represented
by P. The alkalinity due to hydroxide, carbonate and bicarbonate can be detected by
Methyl orange indicator and so it is called as in Methyl orange Alkalinity, represented
by M.
Significance
1. High alkalinity is harmful to aquatic organisms.
2. Alkalinity in boilers will cause caustic embrittlement.
Removal of Alkalinity: By adding limited amount of HCl.

BOILER FEED WATER

 In Industry, one of the chief uses of water is generation of steam by boilers.
 The water fed into the boiler for the production of steam is called boiler feed
water.
Requirements of boiler feed water
 It should have zero hardness.
 It must be free from dissolved gases like O2, CO2, etc.
 It should be free from suspended impurities.
 It should be free from dissolved salts and alkalinity.
 It should be free from turbidity and oil.
 It should be free from hardness causing and scale forming constituents like Ca
and Mg salts.

Requirements for Boiler Feed Water

Type Amount Type Amount
Hardness < 0.2 ppm Dissolved gases 0 ppm
Soda alkalinity 0.15 – 1.0 ppm Oil & grease < 0.5 ppm
Caustic alkalinity 0.15 – 0.45 ppm pH 7.5 – 9.4

If hard water is used in boilers it causes some problems (troubles). They are
1. Scale and sludge formation
2. Priming & Foaming
3. Caustic embrittlement
4. Boiler corrosion

1. SCALE AND SLUDGE FORMATION

When water is continuously used in boilers concentration of dissolved in water
increases. These salts will be thrown in the form of a precipitate inside the boiler.

SLUDGE: If the precipitate formed is loose and slimy it is called sludges.

Sludges are formed due to salts like MgCl2, MgSO4, CaCl2 etc.,
They have greater solubility in hot water than cold water.
SCALES
If the precipitate formed is hard, adherent and sticks to walls of the boiler, it is called
scales. Scales are formed due to salts like Ca(HCO)3)2, Mg(OH)2, CaSO4 etc.,
Disadvantages of scale formation:
1. Wastage of fuel:
Scales have a low thermal conductivity, so the rate of heat transfer from boiler to
inside water is greatly decreased. In order to provide a steady supply of heat to water,
excessive or over heating is carried out and this causes increase in fuel consumption.
The wastage depends upon the thickness and the nature of scale.

Thickness of scale (mm) 0.325 0.625 1.25 2.5 12

Wastage of fuel 10% 15% 50% 80% 150%
2. Decrease in efficiency:
Scales may sometimes deposit in the valves and condensers of the boiler and choke
them partially. This results in decrease in efficiency of boiler.

3. Boiler explosion: When thick scales crack, due to uneven expansion, the water
comes suddenly in contact with over-heated iron plates. This causes formation of a
large amount of steam suddenly. So sudden high-pressure is developed, which may
even cause explosion of the boiler.

Removal of scales:
(i) If the scales are loosely adhered to the walls scraper or a wire brush or a piece of
wood can be used.
(ii) By giving thermal shocks (i.e., heating the boiler and then suddenly cooling with
cold water), if they are brittle.
(iii) By dissolving them by adding chemicals, if they are adherent and hard. Thus,
calcium carbonate scales can be dissolved by using 5-10% HCl. Calcium sulphate
scales can be dissolved by adding EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid), with
which they form soluble complexes.
(iv) By frequent blow-down operation, if the scales are loosely adhering.
Prevention of scales formation: (1) External treatment (2) Internal treatment

Differences between scales and sludges

[Link] Sludges Scales
1 The precipitate formed is loose and Precipitate formed will be hard and
slimy adherent
2 Sludges are poor conductors of heat Scales are act as thermal insulators. It
reduces the efficiency of the boiler
3 Sludge formation can be prevented by Scales are prevented by using dilute acids
using softened water like HCl, H2SO4
4 Sludges can be removed by blow down Scales formation can be removed by
operation external and internal treatment.
5 Blow down process – It is a process of They can be removed by applying thermal
removing of concentrated water by shocks, scrapers, wire brushes etc.,
fresh water frequently from the boiler
during steam production.

2. PRIMING AND FOAMING

When steam is produced in boilers along with some droplets of water will be also
carried over. This steam is called wet steam. This process is called carry over process.

Priming: The formation of production of wet steam is called priming.

This is due to the presence of a large amount of dissolved solids.
Causes
1. High steam velocities
2. Sudden boiling
3. Improper boiler design
4. Very high water level in boilers

Prevention
1. Contorting the velocity of steam
2. Uniform boiling
3. Proper boiler design
4. Keeping water level lower

Foaming
The formation of stable bubbles above the surface of water is called foaming.

Caused by
1. Presence of oil, grease
2. Presence of finely divided particles

Prevention
1. By adding coagulants like sodium aluminate, aluminium hydroxide
2. adding anti-foaming agents like synthetic polyamides.
3. CAUSTIC EMBRITTLEMENT
The intercrystalline cracking of boiler metal is called caustic embrittlement. This is
due to the presence of Na2CO3 in water. It decomposes to form NaOH.

Na2CO3 + H2O → 2NaOH + CO2

This NaOH flows into the cracks and crevices present in the boiler. This will react
with iron to form sodium ferroate.
Fe + NaOH Na2FeO2 + H2

This causes brittlement in boiler parts, particularly in the joints, rivets etc.,

Prevention
1. Using sodium phosphate as softening agent instead of sodium carbonate
2. By adding tannin, lignin to the boiler metal to block the cracks.

4. BOILER CORROSION
Boiler corrosion is decay of boiler material by a chemical or electro-chemical attack
by its environment. Main reasons for boiler corrosion are:
1. Dissolved oxygen
2. Dissolved carbondioxide
3. Dissolved salts
1. Dissolved oxygen: Water usually contains dissolved oxygen. Dissolved oxygen in
water, at high temperature, attacks boiler material:

2 Fe + 2H2O + O2 → 2 Fe(OH)2

4 Fe(OH)2 + O2 → 2 (Fe2O3.2H2O)
Ferrous hydroxide Rust
Removal of dissolved oxygen by
(i) Chemical method (ii) Mechanical de-aeration

(i) By adding chemicals (chemical methods):

a) Adding sodium sulphite
2 Na2SO3 + O2 → 2 Na2SO4
b) Adding Hydrazine
N2 H4 + O 2 → N 2 + 2 H 2 O

(ii) By mechanical de-aeration:

Dissolved oxygen can also be removed from water by mechanical de-aerator. In this
process, water is allowed to fall slowly on the perforated plates fitted inside the tower.
The sides of the tower are heated, and a vacuum pump is also attached to it. The high
temperature and low pressure produced inside the tower reduces the dissolved oxygen
content of the water.

2. Dissolved carbon dioxide :

Carbondioxide present in water will form carbonic acid.
CO2 + H2O → H2CO3
Carbondioxide will be formed due to bicarbonate salts in water.

Mg(HCO3)2 → MgCO3 + H2 O + CO2

Removal of CO2:

(1) By adding calculated quantity of ammonia.

2 NH4OH + CO2 → (NH4)2CO3 + H2O

(2) By mechanical-deaeration process along with oxygen.

3. Dissolved salts:
Water containing dissolved magnesium salts liberate acids on hydrolysis, e.g.,
MgCl2 + 2H2O → Mg(OH)2 + 2HCl
The liberated acid reacts with iron (of the boiler) in chain like reactions producing
HCl again and again. Thus
Fe + 2HCI → FeCl2 + H2
FeCl2 + 2H2O → Fe(OH)2 + 2HCl

Consequently, presence of even a small amount of MgCl2 will cause corrosion of iron
to a large extent.

Removal of acids
By adding an alkali to the boiler water
HCl + NaOH NaCl + H2O

SOFTENING (OR) CONDITIONING OF WATER

The process of removing hardness producing salts from water is known as softening
or conditioning of water.
It can be done in two methods
1. Internal conditioning (or) Internal treatment
2. External conditioning (or) External treatment

1. Internal conditioning (or) Internal treatment of water

In this method the chemicals are directly added into the boiler to remove hardness
causing salts. The chemicals added in this process are called boiler compounds.

It can be done by
a) Carbonate conditioning
b) Phosphate conditioning
c) Calgon conditioning

(a) Carbonate conditioning

• Scale formation can be avoided by adding Na2CO3 (Sodium carbonate) to the
boiler water.
• Na2CO3 added, will combine with the hardness causing salts (like CaSO4) and
form calcium carbonate which can be removed easily.
• It is used only in low pressure boilers.

CaSO4+Na2CO3 → CaCO3+Na2SO4

(ii) Phosphate conditioning

 Scale formation can be avoided by adding sodium phosphate to the boiler
water.
 The phosphate reacts with Ca2+ / Mg2+ salts to give soft sludges of Ca2+ / Mg2+
phosphates.
3CaSO4+2Na3PO4 → Ca3(PO4)2 +3Na2SO4

 Generally 3 types of phosphates are employed

(1) Trisodium phosphate Na3PO4 (too alkaline) - used for too acidic water
(2) Disodium hydrogen phosphate Na2HPO4 (weak alkaline) - used for weakly
acidic water.
(3) Sodium dihydrogen phosphate NaH2PO4 (acidic) - used for alkaline water.

 This method is used in high pressure boilers.

(iii) Calgon conditioning

 Calgon is sodium hexa meta phosphate Na2[Na4(PO3)6]
 It reacts with the calcium ions and forms a soluble complex.
 This method is used in high pressure boilers.
 CaSO4 + Na2[Na4(PO3)6 → Na2[Ca2(PO3)6] + 2Na2SO4
Soluble

Na2[Ca2(PO3)6] soluble in water and there is no problem of sludge disposal. So

calgon conditioning is better than phosphate conditioning.

External Conditioning
It involves the removal of hardness producing salts from the water before feeding into
the boiler. This is done by two process
1. Zeolite process (or) Permutit Process
2. Ion exchange process (or) Demineralization process

1. Zeolite Process (Permutit Process)

 Zeolites are hydrated sodium alumino silicate.
 Its general formula is Na2O.Al2O3. xSiO2. yH2O (x=2, y= 2-6).
 There are two types of zeolites – natural and synthetic.
 Natural zeolite is green sand. Green sand will be non-porous. It cannot be used
in softening.
 Synthetic zeolite will be porous and has a gel structure. So it is used in
softening
Process
 This equipment is a large tower packed with zeolite bed.
 There is an inlet to pass hard water and another inlet at the top to add NaCl for
regeneration of Zeolite bed.
 When hard water is passed through the cylinder all the positive ions present in
hard water will be removed
Reactions
Ca(HCO3)2 + Na2Ze → CaZe + 2NaHCO3
Mg(HCO3)2 + Na2Ze → MgZe + 2NaHCO3
CaSO4 + Na2Ze → CaZe + Na2SO4
MgSO4 + Na2Ze → MgZe + Na2SO4
CaCl2 + Na2Ze → CaZe + 2NaCl
MgCl2 + Na2Ze → MgZe + 2NaCl
The water coming out will have large amount of sodium salts. Hence this water cannot
be used in boilers.
Regeneration
When this process is carried for a long time, the zeolite becomes inactive. It is said to
be exhausted. Hence 10% solution of NaCl is added for regeneration.
Reactions
CaZe + 2NaCl → Na2Ze + CaCl2
MgZe + 2NaCl → Na2Ze + MgCl2

Advantages
[Link] obtained by this process will have only low hardness (< 2 ppm).
2. Method is cheap(regenerated zeolite can be used again).
3. Equipment used is compact.
4. Operation is easy.
Disadvantages
[Link] water can not be treated (which blocks the pores)
2. Acidic water can not be treated (decomposes the structure of zeolite).
3. Water containing Fe and Mn can not be treated (regeneration is difficult).
4. This process can not be used for softening brackish water.
5. Water softened in this method cannot be used in boilers because it causes
caustic embrittlement.
6. Only positive ions can be removed.

2. Ion Exchange Process (Demineralization Process)

 This process removes almost all the ions (both anions and cations) present in
hard water
 Demineralized water is soft water (soft water is not demineralized water)
 Demineralization process is carried out by using ion exchange resins.
 Resins are long chain, crosslinked insoluble organic polymers with a micro
porous structure
 The functional group attached to the chain are responsible for the ion
exchanging properties

(i) Cation exchanger

Resins containing acidic functional groups (–COOH, – SO3H) are capable of
exchanging their H+ ions with other cations of hard water. Cation exchange resin is
represented as RH2.
Examples:
• Sulphonated coals
• Sulphonated polystyrene
R–SO3H; R–COOH ≡ R
ii) Anion Exchanger
Resins containing basic functional groups (–NH2, –OH) are capable of exchanging
their anions with other anions of hard water. Anion exchange resin is represented as
R(OH)2.
Examples:
• Cross-linked quaternary ammonium salts.
• Urea-formaldehyde resin.
R–NR3OH; R–OH; R–NH2 ≡ R(OH)2

Process
The hard water first passed through a cation exchange column, which absorbs all the
cations like Ca2+, Mg2+ ,Na+, K+, etc., present in the hard water.
RH2 + CaCl2 → RCa + 2HCl
RH2 + MgSO4 → RMg + H2SO4
RH + NaCl → RNa + HCl
The cation free water is then passed through a anion exchange column, which absorbs
all the anions like Cl–, SO42-, HCO3–, etc., present in the water.
R' (OH)2 + 2HCl → R'Cl2 + 2H2O
R'(OH)2 + H2SO4 → R'SO4 + 2H2O

The water coming out of the anion exchanger completely free from cations and
anions. This water is known as demineralised water or deionised water.
Regeneration
When the cation exchange resin in exhausted, it can be regenerated by passing a
solution of [Link] or dil.H2SO4.
RCa + 2HCl → RH2 + CaCl2
RNa + HCl → RH + NaCl
Similarly, when the anion exchange resin is exhausted, it can be regenerated by
passing a solution of [Link].
R'Cl2 + 2 NaOH → R'(OH)2 + 2 NaCl
R’SO4+2NaOH → R’(OH)2 + Na2SO4
Advantages
1. The water is obtained by this process will have very low hardness (nearly 2 ppm).
2. Highly acidic or alkaline water can be treated by this process.
Disadvantages
1. The equipment is costly.
2. More expensive chemicals are needed for this process.
3. Water containing turbidity, Fe and Mn cannot be treated, because turbidity reduces
the output and Fe, Mn form stable compound with the resins.

MUNICIPAL WATER OR POTABLE WATER

The main characteristics of potable water are,
• It should be colourless, odourless and clear
• It should be pleasant to taste
• It should be free from disease causing bacteria and suspended impurities
• Hardness should be less than 500 ppm
• Chloride content should be less than 250 ppm
• pH should be between 6.5 – 8.5
• Flouride content should be less than 1.5 ppm
• TDS should be less than 500 ppm
• It should be cool
It should be free from dissolved gases like CO2, H2S, NH3 etc.

Steps Involved in the Treatment of Municipal Water or Potable Water

Potable water should be free from colloidal impurities, suspended impurities,
industrial effluents and disease causing bacteria

Municipal water treatment process

• Screening
• coagulation
• sedimentation
• Chlorination
• UV treatment
• ozonolysis
• reverse osmosis

1. Screening
Floating materials like leaves, wooden pieces etc., can be removed in this
step. Water is passed through large screens with holes. Impurities will be retained in
the screens.
2. Aeration
Air is passed in this step. Aeration is done to
i. Removes gases like CO2, H2S etc., and volatile impurities present.
ii. Removes ferrous and manganese salts as insoluble ferric and manganic
salts.

3. Sedimentation
In this step suspended impurities are removed. Water is allowed to stand in
large tanks for 2-6 hrs. All the suspended impurities will settle due to gravity. Only
75% of suspended impurities can be removed in this method.

4. Coagulation
Finely divided clay, silica do not settle easily. Such impurities can be
removed by coagulation. Coagulants like alum, Al(SO4)3 will be added to water. It
forms a white gelatinous precipitate of aluminum hydroxide, Al(OH)3. This precipitate
will entrap all the colloidal impurities in water and settle at the bottom and can be
removed easily.
Coagulants like alum or ferrous sulphate is added to speed up the settling
process.
Al2(SO4)3 + 6 H2O 2 Al(OH)3 + 3 H2SO4

Finally chlorine is added for disinfection. The process of killing harmful

bacteria present in water is called sterilization or disinfection.
Disinfection is done by chlorination, ozonolysis and UV treatment.
5. Chlorination:
The process of adding chlorine to water is called Chlorination. It is done by
a. Adding chlorine directly
Cl2+ H2O → HCl+ HOCl
Bacteria+ HOCl → Bacteria are destroyed
b. By adding chloramines
Chloramine is produced by mixing chlorine and ammonia in the ratio 2:1
Cl2+ NH3 → ClNH2+ HCl
Chloramine formed will decompose to form chlorine which will kill the
bacteria present in water.
c. By adding bleaching powder
When bleaching powder is added it form hypochlorous acid which will
destroy the bacteria present in water,
CaOCl2+ H2O → Ca(OH)2+Cl2
Cl2+ H2O → HCl+ HOCl
Germs + HOCl → Germs are killed
6. Ozonolysis:
Ozone is a powerful disinfectant. It will be absorbed by water. It is highly
unstable and it gives nascent oxygen.
O3 O2 + [O]
Nascent oxygen is a powerful oxidizing agent which kills bacteria.
7. UV Treatment:
When electric current is passed through a mercury vapour lamp it gives UV
rays. This method is generally used to sterilize swimming pools.
Disadvantages – It is costly and turbid water cannot be treated.

DESALINATION
The process of removing common (sodium chloride) salt from sea water is called
desalination. The water containing dissolved salts with a peculiar salty taste is called
brackish water.
Depending upon the quantity of dissolved solids, water is graded as
Fresh water – contains <1000 ppm of dissolved solids
 Brackish water – contains > 1000 but <35,000 ppm of dissolved salts
Sea water – contains > 35,000 ppm of dissolved salts.

Desalination is done by reverse osmosis

Reverse Osmosis
Osmosis is a process in which a solvent flows from a region of low concentration to
high concentration through a semi-permeable membrane. The driving force in this
phenomenon is called osmotic pressure.
If a hydrostatic pressure is excess of osmotic pressure is applied on the higher
concentration side, the solvent flow is reversed. i.e., solvent flows from higher
concentration to low concentration. This process is called reverse osmosis. This
process is also known as super filtration. The membrane used are cellulose acetate,
cellulose butyrate etc.

Advantages

1. Life time of the membrane is high and it can be replaced within few
minutes.
2. It removes all ionic, non-ionic and colloidal impurities
3. Simple and low capital cost.
4. This process is used for converting sea water into drinking water
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