From using methods like reverse osmosis to using new techniques that are more natural and less wasteful, including scallop shells and Moringa seeds, you can find ways to clean polluted water that can help you and other people around the world. What are some of the most common ways to clean polluted water?

Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis is a water cleaning process that uses pressure to pass water through a membrane that catches and removes the pollutants from the water, leaving it cleaner and purer for use. The water flows from a high pressure area to a low pressure area, which helps to remove solutes from the water, including pollutants and other impurities, leaving the pure solvent to flow through the semi-permeable membrane into the low pressure area.

Boiling.
When you are camping or just not able to get clean water, one of the easiest ways to make it safer for drinking is by boiling it. Boiling water kills bacteria, pathogen, and amoeba that can cause illness. Most microorganisms can be killed by boiling the water, so that it can be used safely for drinking and other uses. Adding chlorine or medical-grade iodine may be important to do too.

Sedimentation.
A sediment bed can be used to filter water to remove pollutants and impurities as well. Sand and charcoal are the most common mediums used in a sediment bed. The water may flow through many different layers of filters that are arranged to remove all types of pollutants, from small to large. Combinations of different mediums are used to help insure that any pollutant can be removed, as well as odors of these pollutants, to make the water taste good.

Natural cleaners.
Several studies have been done using more natural methods, including using moringa seeds, scallop shells, and microorganisms.

• Moringa seeds are a new water treatment method that is being used in many countries in the world. Parts of the moringa tree are used for food and for medicine, but the seed pods have just recently been found to help kill pathogens in the water that can cause illness. The seeds attract dirt and pathogens and by separating the water from the seeds can net clean water. This process is one that must be followed correctly for maximum results.


• Scallop shells as a water treatment method were first found during a science experiment by high school students. During their scientific experimentation, they found that scallop shells added to dirty water helped to clean the water within 24 hours. The shape of the shells and the pH of the shells naturally filter out sediment, bacteria, and heavy metals, which is quite amazing.


• Using naturally occurring microorganisms to purify the water is one method that is currently being used and studied. TCE, which is a chemical that is used as a cleaner and solvent, has been found to be removed using microorganisms to remove this chemical and other contaminants.

LifeStraw.
This is one of the newest water purification methods. This is a very inexpensive method of cleaning water, which is great for undeveloped counties all over the world. This is a personal tool that is a small plastic pipe filter that can help to make water safe for drinking. This water purification method removes bacteria that is responsible for many different diseases, including cholera and dysentery. Though one LifeStraw is inexpensive, they aren't good for too many gallons of water filtration. But what a great way for poor countries with poor water quality to get clean water.

Finding ways to clean polluted water is important to people all over the world. Finding ways that are inexpensive and efficient can help to give people all over the world one of the most basic needs -- clean water.