What are the solutions that B Tech Chemical Engineering students can offer in Water Treatment and Purification?

Introduction to Water Treatment and Purification

Water treatment and purification means eliminating unwanted chemicals, suspended solids, biological impurities, and gases from contaminated water. The primary objective of this process is to produce clean and safe water suitable for a particular purpose. While most purified water is intended for human consumption, the process can also be altered to meet the needs of various medical, chemical, and industrial applications. Generally, the methods used in water purification involve physical processes such as sedimentation, filtration, and distillation. B Tech Chemical Engineering students have much to contribute to this process that involves reducing the concentration of particulate matter, including suspended parasites, particles, bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and other dissolved and particulate materials. Governments or international organizations typically establish drinking water quality standards and establish both minimum and maximum concentrations of contaminants based on the intended use of the water.

Importance of Water Treatment and Purification

Access to clean water is a basic necessity for every human being. It is required for hydration and daily activities throughout the day. However, not everyone has the privilege of enjoying this necessity. According to a study, 1.1 million people fall sick every year due to the consumption of dirty water.

Many of the population relies on tap water that may contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and metals like mercury, fluorine, chlorine, lead, and others that can negatively affect one's health. To maintain a long, active, and healthy life, it is important to have access to clean and germ-free drinking water. Despite the scarcity of clean water, relying solely on the public water system is not advisable.

Investing in water treatment solutions is a practical solution to ensure that you and your family have access to clean, delicious, and pure drinking water that can be used for drinking, cooking, bathing, and other daily activities. By setting up a simple water treatment system in your kitchen, you can enjoy unlimited clean water and have peace of mind.

Solutions for Water Treatment and Purification that B Tech Chemical Engineers Can Offer

B Tech Chemical Engineers are crucial in designing and developing physical, chemical, and biological unit operations that can efficiently remove contaminants from water and wastewater. This involves a deep understanding of the properties of various substances and how they interact, as well as a thorough knowledge of engineering principles and techniques.

In addition to designing new treatment processes, chemical engineers also take on project management responsibilities for the construction of new treatment facilities and the ongoing operation and maintenance of treatment plants and distribution networks. This requires many skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and coordinating with other stakeholders.

As environmental regulations become increasingly stringent, chemical engineers must stay up-to-date with new technologies that can help meet these standards while minimizing waste streams. They must be innovative and creative problem solvers, always looking for new and better ways to treat and manage water and wastewater. This requires ongoing education and training to keep pace with the developments in the field.

Chemical Engineering Processes for Water Treatment

Chemical precipitation is a process used in water treatment to remove minerals that can make the water difficult to use, such as calcium, magnesium, and metals, as well as certain anions like sulfate, phosphate, and fluoride. To do this, a soluble chemical is added to the water that will react with the unwanted minerals to form an insoluble substance that can be removed.

The amount of the chemical needed depends on the temperature and pH of the water, as well as the solubility of the substance being formed. Sometimes, an extra chemical is added to ensure all unwanted minerals are removed, but this can be expensive and leave excess chemicals in the water. In the case of calcium and magnesium, these minerals can cause problems with detergent use and taste and can also cause scaling. Softening and carbonate removal are two ways to address these issues, but they are not the same as chemical precipitation. Softening can be done using resins, while carbonate removal involves degassing carbon dioxide.

Future of Water Treatment and Purification

B Tech Chemical Engineering students from top engineering colleges in India have an important role in developing sustainable wastewater treatment technologies, particularly in energy technology. There are already reliable technologies available that can help reduce energy consumption in wastewater treatment tanks, which are attractive to operators due to their cost-effectiveness. Upgrading to modern ventilation technology can significantly improve plant efficiency, especially for older treatment plants, without incurring undue expenses.

Looking ahead, the future of water treatment holds significant potential for mitigating water scarcity, promoting responsible management of raw materials, and reducing energy consumption. Chemical engineers can help by continuing to develop and improve these sustainable technologies and advocating for their implementation in the industry. By working together, a more sustainable future for water treatment that benefits the environment and society can be created.

Manipal University Jaipur is one of the top engineering colleges in India. B Tech Chemical Engineering at Manipal University Jaipur is considered a top choice for engineering students. The 122-acre modern lush green campus offers a state of the art labs that chemical engineers seek. Regular guest lectures and industry exposure makes the engineers at MUJ the most sought-after while placements.