What is one method used to remove nitrates from drinking water?

What is one method used to remove nitrates from drinking water?

• A. Filtration
• B. Reverse osmosis
• C. Ion exchange
• D. Activated carbon treatment

Answer: (C)

Ion exchange is an effective method for removing nitrates from drinking water. This process involves passing water through a medium that facilitates the exchange of ions. In the context of nitrate removal, the ion exchange resin captures nitrate ions (NO3-) and releases harmless ions, often chloride (Cl-), into the water. This exchange effectively reduces the concentration of nitrates, which are of concern due to their potential health effects, such as methemoglobinemia or "blue baby syndrome." Ion exchange is particularly advantageous when treating water with high nitrate levels, as it allows for efficient removal without the need for extensive pre-treatment. This method is commonly employed in water treatment facilities or home water purification systems where nitrate contamination is a significant issue. Other methods, while effective for different contaminants, are not typically prioritized for nitrate removal. For example, filtration can remove particulates and some pathogens but is less effective against dissolved ions like nitrates. Reverse osmosis can be used for nitrate removal, but it may require more energy and involves a more complex system than ion exchange. Activated carbon treatment, while excellent for organic compounds and certain contaminants, does not effectively target nitrate ions.

Ion exchange is an effective method for removing nitrates from drinking water. This process involves passing water through a medium that facilitates the exchange of ions. In the context of nitrate removal, the ion exchange resin captures nitrate ions (NO3-) and releases harmless ions, often chloride (Cl-), into the water. This exchange effectively reduces the concentration of nitrates, which are of concern due to their potential health effects, such as methemoglobinemia or "blue baby syndrome."

Ion exchange is particularly advantageous when treating water with high nitrate levels, as it allows for efficient removal without the need for extensive pre-treatment. This method is commonly employed in water treatment facilities or home water purification systems where nitrate contamination is a significant issue.

Other methods, while effective for different contaminants, are not typically prioritized for nitrate removal. For example, filtration can remove particulates and some pathogens but is less effective against dissolved ions like nitrates. Reverse osmosis can be used for nitrate removal, but it may require more energy and involves a more complex system than ion exchange. Activated carbon treatment, while excellent for organic compounds and certain contaminants, does not effectively target nitrate ions.