Phosphates are chemical compounds containing phosphorus. Phosphorus is a non-metallic element which is necessary for life and is found in rock as inorganic phosphates. As water runs over and through rocks it carries off small amounts of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphates. Inorganic phosphates are a plant nutrient and are taken in by plants with water and incorporated into organic phosphate compounds. Animals obtain their essential phosphorus from phosphates in water and plant material. Natural waters have a phosphorus concentration of approximately 0.02 parts per million (ppm) or 0.02 mg/L which is a limiting factor for plant growth. On the other hand, large concentrations of this nutrient can accelerate plant growth.
Phosphates can be produced and may occur in water in two Forms. Phosphorus in freshwater and marine systems exists in either a particulate phase or a dissolved phase. Particulate matter includes living and dead plankton, precipitates of phosphorus, phosphorus adsorbed to particulates, and amorphous phosphorus. The dissolved phase includes inorganic phosphorus, organic phosphorus excreted by organisms, and macromolecular colloidal phosphorus. The first form—orthophosphate—are produced by natural processes such as decay and are found in sewage. This especially useful form of phosphorus is the one used by plants and animals for growth. The second form of phosphate— polyphosphate—are used for treating boiler waters and are found in many household detergents and soaps. In water, they change into the ortho form. Organic phosphates are important in nature. Their occurrence may result from the breakdown of organic pesticides which contain phosphates. They may exist in solution, as particles, loose fragments or in the bodies of aquatic organisms.
Phosphates for potable water treatment perform several functions that include iron and manganese control, scale inhibition and removal, corrosion control and chlorine stabilization. Phosphates are not toxic to people or animals unless they are present in high levels. Digestive problems could occur from extremely high levels of phosphate. Phosphate itself does not have notable adverse health effects. However, phosphate levels greater than 1.0 may interfere with coagulation in water treatment plants. As a result, organic particles that harbor microorganisms may not be completely removed before distribution.
WHOLE- HOUSE FILTRATION SYSTEM FOR PHOSPHATE REMOVAL
Reverse Osmosis is one of the most common and effective methods used for treatment and removal of Phosphates in drinking water. A whole-house reverse osmosis system pushes water through a membrane with tiny pores. The membrane removes several contaminants, including Phosphate, while allowing water to pass through. Reverse osmosis usually removes between 93 and 99 percent of the Phosphate in drinking water, depending on the type of treatment unit.
The iSpring RCC7AK-UV is a 7-stage, under-sink mounted Reverse Osmosis system suitable for clear drinking water and cooking purposes. The RCC7AK-UV features an extra UV ultraviolet stage. Though not usually necessary with municipal-treated water, this stage is particularly important in treating water from wells, streams, lakes and other natural water sources. Some of the best features of this system are listed as follows:
- 3 Pre-filters: PP sediment filter, Carbon KDF (GAC) filter, and Carbon block (CTO) filter remove large contaminants like sediment, chlorine, and chloramines.
- The heart of the system is the Reverse Osmosis (RO) filter that removes contaminants down to 0.0001 microns – so small that only water molecules can squeeze through but virtually nothing else.
- Fine GAC filter provides final polishing before the filtered water is delivered to the faucet.
- An Alkaline Remineralization filter restores healthy minerals and a natural alkaline balance.
- With its advanced 11-watt UV stage, the RCC7AK-UV is a suitable option to filter well water and other problem water sources like water from lakes and streams. The unique flow sensor switch turns the UV unit on and off automatically with water flow, saving power and lengthening the life of the UV lamp.
- Quality components ensure reliability and low maintenance for many years to come. Clear see-through 1st stage housing makes filter inspection a snap. Feed Water pH – 3.0 -11.0. Feed Water Pressure – 45-70 psi. Feed Water Temperature- 40-100 F (4 – 38 C)
Table 1 – List of Preliminary Contaminants Removed by the iSpring RCC7AK-UV system
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The presence of Phosphates in drinking water can cause impact on the health of humans and livestock and also be detrimental to the shelf life of home appliances such as dishwashers and household plumbing by facilitating growth of biofilm and algae. The iSpring RCC7AK-UV Reverse Osmosis System offers a great solution to eradicate these issues caused due to high Phosphates in drinking water. The consultants at Sani Water specialize in educating their customers about most effective treatment solutions for their drinking water concerns. The skilled technicians at Saniwater will help with the installation and provide guidance with respect to maintenance of the Reverse Osmosis system.
REFERENCES
- https://water-research.net/index.php/phosphate-in-water
- http://extoxnet.orst.edu/faqs/safedrink/phos.htm
- https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/news/articles/2015/the-fate-of-phosphate-in-our-drinking-water/#:~:text=Phosphate%20that%20is%20put%20into,British%20Geological%20Survey%20(BGS).
- https://phosphatesfacts.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/The-Use-of-Phosphates-For-Potable-Water-Treatment.pdf
- http://osse.ssec.wisc.edu/curriculum/earth/Minifact2_Phosphorus.pdf
- https://www.123filter.com/ac/ispring-rcc7ak-uv-deluxe-under-sink-7-stage-reverse-osmosis-drinking-water-filtration-system-with-alkaline-remineralization-and-uv-sterilizer?path=
- https://www.amazon.com/iSpring-RCC7AK-UV-Filtration-Remineralization-Sterilizer/dp/B006T3HYQ0
