How Sediments are Formed and the Different Kinds of Sediments Found in Water
It may be caused by natural floras of water found in seas, oceans, lakes, waterfalls, and many more, or it can be caused by human activities that disrupt the natural state of water and create turbidity, thus forming sediments in the water.
Sediment is a matter or substance that settles at the bottom of any liquid.
Human activities, such as mining, agriculture, artificial chemicals, and waste materials, can mix various particles with water. These particles sometimes settle at the bottom without interrupting the water's natural state.
Sediments, when deranged, are one of the causes of turbidity in water.
Some particles are naturally found in any body of water and are sources of turbidity and sediment.
Phytoplankton, dinoflagellates, cyanobacteria, and many others are natural sediments. Coliform bacteria, found in soil, are also common causes of gastrointestinal disturbances. Lastly, sand is produced by dead coral reefs that have been crushed to tiny pieces over a long period.
In addition to these natural floras, specific artificial chemicals and waste materials can also cause sediments, which are often toxic to health.
Furthermore, sediments are present when they reach the public water treatment plant and undergo chlorination.
When combined with water, chlorine is dissolved, and some chlorine settles at the bottom of the water, forming sediments.
Iron from rusted water pipes, soil, microorganisms, and other substances seeping through an improperly operated and unmaintained water system can also cause sediments.
Because some of the water lines going directly to our home are sometimes rusted, broken, or cracked, lead, copper, and soil can seep through the lines and combine with the water we use at home.
How are sediments removed, and how safe should drinking water be?
Sediments are formed only without any water disruption. Although these particles are naturally found in water, sediments can also be toxic, mainly when chemicals are used, accumulate in large amounts, and combine with water.
Chemicals such as aluminum sulfate, liquid chlorine, calcium hydroxide, and poly-aluminum chloride are flocculating agents.
These flocculating agents help filter and purify water by clumping together the substances it contains. They are also used in mining, agriculture, paper manufacturing, and the textile industries.
The flocks or clumps produced by the chemical reaction can now be easily removed or filtered from drinking water. However, some chemical reagents react differently when combined with water.
When moisture is present, the reaction usually produces heat, killing the microorganisms that remain in the water after the filtration and chlorination. Ferric chloride, fluorosilicic acid, sodium fluorosilicate, and sodium chloride are chemicals used in pharmaceuticals, mostly in paper and textile manufacturing.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States, the ideal contaminant level in drinking water should be 1 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit). This unit measures turbidity, which is usually the cause of sediment in drinking water.
A turbidity level higher than 5 NTU often contains disease-causing microorganisms, such as viruses, parasites, and bacteria, which can cause gastrointestinal disturbances and psychological effects.
This agency enforces public safety standards and ensures that the permissible contaminant level in water is achieved. This non-government agency also regulates those operating particular water treatment systems, requiring them to follow specific standards for purifying and filtering water before dispensing it.
Though these are enforceable standards, it doesn't mean that slightly elevated levels will pose a significant threat to the public. This ensures that drinking water contaminants are controlled, potable, and safe for the public.
What are the effects of the toxic sediments in drinking water on our health?
No matter how you view it, chemicals are always dangerous and toxic. Adding chemicals to our drinking water, though the primary purpose is filtering and purifying it, can harm health.
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