Which+Organic+Substance+Is+The+Most+Effective+Water+Purifier

Maneesha P   Cary Academy ** ABSTRACT  ** The purpose of this experiment was to see which organic substance would be the most effective purifying agent against the most common water pollutants in third world countries. It was hypothesized that the water filter powder would be the best purifier. The reason for this is that this method is often used by companies to purify water, and has been used many places, including commercial use. For this experiment, 5 water bottles were polluted with mud, chlorinated liquid, detergent, and fertilizer. Then, a different coagulant was added to each of 4 bottles. The coagulants were corn starch, water filter powder (ion-exchange resin and activated carbon), charcoal made from burnt coconut shell, and lime with soda ash. The bottles were observed, and the pH was taken. The next day, this process was repeated. Coconut charcoal made the largest difference in pH, but the difference overshot, and made the water unhealthier. Water filter powder made the largest difference towards a pH of 7 (neutral) which is most likely the safest to drink. This meaning the best coagulant is ion-exchange resin and activated carbon.
 * WHICH ORGANIC SUBSTANCE IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WATER PURIFIER **