Micropollutants in Drinking Water: From Source to Tap

Our modern consumption patterns lead to the appearance of new pollutants in water: organic or mineral substances with a potentially negative effect on the natural environment and/or organisms. These substances are present in many products consumed or used by private individuals and businesses (medicines, cosmetic, plant control products, insecticides, etc.).

Two main families of micropollutants:

• Mineral micropollutants such as metals, metalloids and radioactive elements (lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, antimony, radon, uranium etc.) 
• Organic micropollutants such as pesticides, hydrocarbons, solvents, detergents, cosmetics, medicinal substances etc.

The choice of treatment technology depends on the type of micropollutant that must be removed but also the desired objectives, investment and operating costs. Each technology has its scope of action which varies according to its place in the treatment chain and the properties of the raw water to be treated.

Micro-plasma oxidation of micropollutants: A solution for the challenge

Oxidation is used in water treatment to break down organic compounds and to transform non-biodegradable polluting agents into substances that can be assimilated by bacteria.

The choice of oxidizing agent is a question of intelligent selection according to the pollution that must be removed. COSMO Kleini, utilizing the power of micro-plasma, is a powerful device that produces OH radicals, H2O2, O3 and NO radicals when the plasma jet is discharged into water. The potential of micro-plasma discharged water offers an extensive capacity for oxidation. By oxidising organic substances, COSMO treatment of drinking water destroys a large number of micropollutants or makes them more easily biodegradable.

Author: Dr. Dinesh Venkat