Can reverse osmosis remove algae from water? This question has become a question worth discussing. In this article, you will learn about what blue algae are, how to remove blue algae from drinking water, and other related issues.
What is Blue Green Algae?
Blue green algae are also called cyanobacteria. Because of the large number of blue chromoplasts, they appear blue green. It is the simplest and most primitive of all algae. It has existed on Earth for 3.3 billion years and is the earliest, most widely distributed, and most adaptable photosynthetic autotrophic organism. Blue green algae are commonly distributed in nature, mainly growing in freshwater, becoming important phytoplankton in freshwater. Their cell diameters are mostly 4-6.5μm.
In warm seasons, blue green algae will form a layer of blue green and fishy-smelling foam in the lake area, called "blue algae bloom". The problem of blue green algae is particularly obvious in lakes with serious eutrophication problems.
Can you drink water with blue green algae?
Although blue algae are rich in nutrients, it is not recommended to drink them directly after boiling. This is because blue algae contain some toxins, such as microcystins and nitrates, which will not be destroyed at high temperatures but may be concentrated. Therefore, it is recommended not to drink water directly after blue algae are boiled to avoid adverse effects on health. Long-term drinking of water contaminated by blue algae may lead to a series of health problems.
The harm of blue algae
According to the CDC, not all algal blooms are harmful. Algal or cyanobacterial blooms can be harmful to humans, animals, or the environment if they:
- Create toxins
- Become too dense
- Deplete oxygen in the water
- Release harmful gases
How to remove blue green algae from drinking water?
The best way to remove algae from drinking water is to use a water filter. The specific type of water filter you choose depends on the type of algae. Generally speaking, the three membrane filtration technologies, reverse osmosis (RO), nanofiltration (NF), and ultrafiltration (UF), have different effects in removing blue algae from drinking water.
Does reverse osmosis remove algae from water?
Reverse osmosis removes most pollutants from water through a semi-permeable membrane under pressure. The pore size of the RO membrane is 0.0001 microns, which is very small. For smaller cyanobacterial toxins, reverse osmosis can still remove them. Therefore, reverse osmosis may be the most effective water filtration system for removing algae from water.
Related: How do reverse osmosis water filters work?
Other ways to get rid of blue green algae
Nanofiltration
Nanofiltration is a membrane separation technique that uses a porous membrane called a nanofiltration membrane to separate solutes from a solution. Pressure driven filtration of dissolved organic and inorganic matter. However, the pore size of nanofiltration is 0.001 microns, which is usually larger than the RO membrane. Therefore, nanofiltration can remove large molecular toxins, but if it is a small molecular toxin, the removal effect may not be ideal.
Related: What is ultrafiltration? How does ultrafiltration work?
Ultrafiltration
Ultrafiltration is a commonly used membrane separation technology that filters and separates the solution through the ultrafiltration membrane to achieve the separation of solutes and solvents. Ultrafiltration can mainly remove suspended solids, bacteria, and macromolecular organic matter in water. The pore size of ultrafiltration is 0.01-0.1 microns, which is usually larger than RO membrane and nanofiltration. While the UF membrane can effectively remove cyanobacterial cells, it has a limited effect on the removal of cyanobacterial toxins dissolved in water.
Ultraviolet disinfection
Ultraviolet disinfection is a common and effective sterilization method. It uses the characteristics of ultraviolet light to destroy the DNA structure of microorganisms, thereby inhibiting their growth and reproduction. Although ultraviolet disinfection can kill blue green algae, its removal effect is very limited. Therefore, it is recommended to use it in conjunction with reverse osmosis.
Ozone disinfection
Ozone disinfection is a process of disinfecting harmful microorganisms in the air by using the strong oxidizing ability and efficient bactericidal effect of ozone gas. Ozone is formed because oxygen molecules in the air decompose under the action of ionizing radiation to produce free oxygen atoms. Free oxygen atoms will combine with oxygen molecules to form ozone.
Ozone molecules are more active than gas molecules and have strong oxidizing ability. It can kill blue green algae in water, but the cost is high and by-products may be produced.
Best Filters for Removing Blue Algae from Water
It can be concluded from the content that reverse osmosis is the best filter to remove algae from water. The most cost-effective ITEHIL portable reverse osmosis water filtration system on the market.
ITEHIL portable water filter uses the safest filtration steps, including PP cotton, activated carbon, and reverse osmosis. It can remove bacteria, viruses, parasites, heavy metals, pesticides, polyvinyl chloride, and PFAS in water, and the removal effect is up to 99.99%. Equipped with an electric self-priming pump and a portable design, it makes water filtration simple and allows unlimited healthy drinking water to be obtained anywhere. Certified by NSF/ANSI 58, FDA, CE, EMC, PSE, FCC, and RoHS, it is safe to drink.
It can also quickly filter rainwater runoff, spring water, lakes, ponds, rivers, swimming pools, swamp water, soda water, coffee, sweat, and even urine. The TDS value of water purified by the ITEHI reverse osmosis water filtration system is between 0-50, which meets the US drinking water standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will algae grow in RO water?
Algae will not grow in RO water. RO water is very pure water, and most of the pollutants in the water are removed through a semi-permeable membrane. RO water lacks the nutrients needed for algae to grow. If RO water is not stored properly, or the filter and membrane of the RO system are not replaced regularly, this may cause algae to grow in RO water. Generally speaking, as long as the system is properly maintained, it is almost impossible for algae to appear in RO water.
Does boiling water get rid of blue green algae?
Boiling water can kill cyanobacterial cells, but it cannot remove cyanobacterial toxins. Therefore, it is recommended to use activated carbon filtration, reverse osmosis, or ozone disinfection to ensure the safety of water quality.
How long does blue green algae stay in water?
Generally speaking, cyanobacteria can survive for weeks or even months under suitable environmental conditions. In extreme environments, such as low temperatures or lack of oxygen, cyanobacteria may enter a dormant state and survive longer.
