When it comes to RO Vs UV Vs UF water purifiers, one can get confused. However, water purification is a major aspect of our lifestyle in today’s times. While water is essential, so is its overall ‘quality’ in terms of health and hygiene. Nevertheless, the quest for clean drinking water is an ancient one. Man has forever been on the hunt for the ultimate water purification process. This has led to the development of technological advancement in the water purification area.
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The History Of Water Purification
The history of water purification dates back to the 3rd and 4th CE. This time around, people used various methods to ‘clean’ the drinking water. The different methods utilized were boiling under the sun and boiling. Also, various other methods included filtration using Sand and Coarse gravel. Various records in history also show that Hippocrates is credited with having invested a great amount of knowledge in water purification technology. This led to the invention of the ‘Hippocrates Sleeve,’ which was a simple Cloth bag arrangement that was used to pour out the water after being boiled. However, it took a good amount of mysterious deaths and diseases for the experts to finally take the water-borne illness into serious account.
It was in the year 1627 that Sir Francis Bacon conducted rapid water filtration experiments. This led to the water desalination process. This applied the use of the Sand Filter method to obtain salt-free water. Though the process did not obtain much success, however, it did bring about a good amount of coverage in the domain of water filtration and also evoked public awareness for clean drinking water. Records and data obtained from the study of Sir Francis Bacon led to the basic foundation of future water filtration processes.
The Water Filter Types
Today, water filtration is a huge prospect and directly reflects the ‘development’ of a nation. It has to be noted that all water filters require a ‘Filter type.’ This is what directly hampers the quality of the water and the efficiency of water cleansing. Some of the most successful filtration types are as follows:
1. The Chlorination Of Water
This is one of the earliest and most successful filtration types recorded in history. The method required the addition of Chlorine in the water to purify it. The principle was simple, where the Chlorine released Hydrochloric Acid in the water that eliminated micro-organisms present, thus, cleaning the water in the process. The reason for this method to lose popularity was the fact that Chlorine is not good for human health.
2. Bio Sand Filter
This filter type is comprised of filter types made from layers of Sand and Gravel arranged in a ‘box’ like setting. As the water passes through the layers, the contaminations, pathogens, and microbes are ‘filtered out.
3. Active Carbon Filter
This is the best filtration method to eliminate soluble gases like Chlorine, Carbon Monoxide, Ammonia, and Nitrogen. This method is also effective for removing dead Algae and other dead things that have been washed into the water body. The principle applies the absorption of Chlorine, Pesticides, and more through the Porous nature of the Carbon.
4. Ultraviolet Filters
In this filtration type, the UV radiation is passed through the contaminated water to kill the living microbes. This type is efficient in the removal of 99% of Pesticides. However, the only limit in this filter type is that it cannot remove taste, Chemicals, Color, and smells.
5. The Reverse Osmosis (RO)Filters:
This is a multi-stage filtration that combines Active Carbon. This system comprises the Polymer membrane with micro-sized pores. This way, the minerals, and micro-organisms are filtered out. The impurities collected are ‘ejected’ through an outlet pipe. The benefit of an RO system is that the water also tastes excellent and efficient removal of dissolved minerals.
6. UF (Ultra Filtration) Water Purifier
This is the less-advanced version of the RO water purification type. In this case, the water is made to pass through the semi-permeable membranes. This way, the contamination from the water is removed. The Hydrostatic force causes the water to apply pressures on the membrane walls. However, germs and microscopic components cannot pass through the membranes.
What is the Difference between RO, UV, and UF?
So, when we need to purchase a filter for ourselves, which is preferred. It is important to understand the difference between each type to understand their workings. Let us take a closer look at the top filter types:
FEATURES | UV PURIFIER | UF PURIFIER | RO PURIFIER |
Electricity Required | Yes | No | Yes |
Virus and Bacteria Elimination | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Bacteria and Virus Body removal | No | Yes | Yes |
Removal of Dissolved toxic Elements | No | No | Yes |
Can work on Dirty Turbid Water | No | Yes | Yes |
Removal of Dissolved Salts | No | No | Yes |
Water purification is an important aspect that needs focused attention. There are people whose healths are at stake simply because they do not have proper drinking water. However, merely spending a good amount of money does not ensure clean drinking water. It also requires a ‘function specific’ feature that helps ensure that it serves the right purpose. To be more clear about the RO Vs UV Vs UF purifiers, let us examine the advantages and disadvantages of each of them as well in more details:
Advantages Of RO Filtration System
- Removes the dead bodies of the microbes from the water
- Can remove the dissolved toxins from the water as well
- Comprises of TDS controller that also enriches the water
- Also comprises of storage tank for water storage
- Is easy to maintain
- Is the most trusted water purifier system
- Removes the dead bodies of the microbes from the water
Disadvantages Of RO Filtration System
- A lot of water is wasted in the purification process.
- Is not an eco-friendly option, as 50% of water is eventually wasted
- Cannot function at no-electricity conditions.
- Has a high maintenance cost
Advantages Of UV Filtration System
- Can disinfect up to 99.9%
- Is user friendly and automatic
- No manual intervention required
- Does not change the taste, pH, or Odour of the water
- Is budget-friendly and energy-efficient
Disadvantages Of UV Filtration System
- Cannot remove Pesticides, Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium, Fluoride.
- Does not remove the bodies of the microbes; it kills.
- Various barriers like visual solids and non-visual solids can hinder UV filter performance.
- Also, Quartz deposits caused by Iron, Manganese, Calcium Carbonate can affect the emission of UV rays. This can reduce the effectiveness of the device.
- Cannot work without electricity
Advantages Of UF Filtration
- No electricity required
- Is effective in clearing the muddy water also
- Is easy to carry about and travel
- Is effective in removing the carcasses of the germs after killing them
- Is the easiest to install and use immediately
- Is eco-friendly, as no water is wasted
Disadvantages Of Uf Filtration
- Cannot remove unwanted salts and unwanted heavy metals from the water. Various Cancer-causing metals remain suspended in the water.
The Conclusion- Which one is better?
For the Ultra-Health Conscious:
The RO filtration system is the best for the complete elimination of Minerals. The system applies the principle of Reverse Osmosis, where the particles that are larger than the water molecules are effectively filtered out. This is also effective in the removal of various Cancer-causing agents. However, it must be noted that the RO filtration system is not an Eco-friendly choice. About three gallons of water is wasted in the process of purification.
For Electricity-Challenged Areas:
Go for the UF or the Ultra Filtration water purification method if you reside in an area where electricity is a problem. This is a low-cost water purification method where no chemicals and no electricity are used. The UF system is also widely used across various rural areas of India, where health awareness is a growing trend. This method effectively removes mud and dirty water, but, Pesticides Arsenic and Lead cannot be removed from the water through this system.
TDS Calculation:
This is Total Dissolved solids in any water source or body. In order to determine the pollution levels of water, the TDS is calculated. The solids dissolved include inorganic salts and organic compounds. So, according to the TDS value, here are the recommended water purifying system used:
TDS VALUE | BACTERIA | TURBID WATER | PERFECT PURIFIER |
Less than 300 PPM | Yes | No | UV water purifier |
Less than 300 PPM | Yes | Yes | UV+UF water purifier |
Over 300 PPM | No | No | RO + TDS water purifier |
Over 300 PPM | Yes | Yes | RO+UV+UF + TDS Controller |