Are you worried about drinking water safety? It is getting increasingly difficult to ignore those poisonous chemicals in water priding themselves on being called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals evaporate rapidly into the atmosphere and prove to be a double-edged sword in terms of contamination in both air and water. Though some health threats that volatile organic compounds in water pose may be quite alarming, they are not all doom and gloom- there are certainly some actions you can take.
In this blog, I am going to discuss about why VOCs in water are, how these things get into your water, and well, lastly few practical ways that you might want to try and use to remove them from your water so as to have it as clean and possibly safe as it could be.
What Are Volatile Organic Compounds in Water?
VOCs in water are volatile organic chemical compound which contains carbon and the carbon molecule is removed from the water, then transferred to air. This is because these compounds possess low boiling points, usually due to their high vapor pressure. Therefore, when exposed to normal air temperature, they can easily convert into a gaseous state.
These are just a few common sources of volatile organic compounds in water.
-
Industrial Pollution: Manufacturing plants and chemical storage facilities emit VOCs into their production streams, which then enter water bodies.
-
Agriculture: Residues of pesticides and herbicides will ultimately reach our water sources.
-
Household Products: Indiscriminate disposal of cleaning tools, paints, and solvents can lead to groundwater contamination.
Why are VOCs a Concern for Drinking Water Safety?
Volatile organic compounds in water can harm health. Exposure levels and duration indicate toxicity. Symptoms associated with VOC exposure usually include allergy, dizziness, skin irritation, nausea and vomiting, and eye and nose irritation according to the EPA. Here are the details:
Health Risks: Prolonged exposure to VOCs like benzene and TCE can cause cancer, liver damage, and respiratory problems.
Toxic Contaminants: VOCs in water, often from industrial runoff or pesticides, are hazardous even at low concentrations.
Environmental Persistence: VOCs are resistant to natural degradation, leading to long-term contamination of water supplies.
Taste and Odor Issues: VOCs can affect the taste and smell of drinking water, making it unpalatable and signaling potential toxicity.
What Are Examples of VOCs in Water?
VOCS are usually found in water. The most common examples of volatile organic compounds in drinking water are:
- Trihalomethane
Trihalomethane is among the many volatile organic compounds. It is generated when chlorinated water is turned to potable use. Most commonly, trihalomethanes are found in chlorinated city waters. It can also form in shallow water when a private well owner puts chlorine in their well. Trihalomethanes are associated with bladder and colon cancers in human beings, according to NIH research. Excessive exposure to THMs may also cause reproductive or birth problems. You can check the blog What Are Trihalomethanes in Water & How to Remove? for more.
- Benzene
Benzene is a colorless, combustible liquid found commonly in gasoline and petroleum. In higher amounts, it gives water a sweet smell, though it does not change the water's appearance. Besides being present in gasoline, as originally found, most industrial applications involve plastic, rubber, detergent, and synthetic fiber manufacturing. According to NCI, benzene is cancer-causing since it poses high health risks upon exposure in humans. It often forms an association with symptoms of anemia and acute myeloid leukemia.
- Perchloroethylene
Perchloroethylene, or PCE, is a byproduct of solvent action and includes dry cleaning. It is also found in shoe polish and solvents for diluting inks. High exposure to perchloroethylene in a short time makes one dizzy, drowsy, confused, develop headaches, and experience irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat. The patient may also suffer from difficulty in speech or walking or may not even be conscious.
- Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether
MTBE is shorthand for methyl tert-butyl ether, a water-soluble compound which is mainly a liquid mixed with gasoline. Majorly, spillage and leaking underground storage tanks are the main causes of MTBE contamination into hundreds of square miles of groundwater and soils. Lack of concentration, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness or faintness, liver damage, and kidney damage are some of the effects related to exposure to methyl tert-butyl ether.
How to Detect Volatile Organic Compounds in Water?
Detecting volatile organic compounds in water requires understanding their characteristics. It involves a mix of observation and an advanced VOC water test. You might want to ask if the volatile organic compounds dissolve in water. Well, considering their chemical structure, some VOCs are soluble, while some are partially not.
Signs of VOCs in Drinking Water
If your drinking water exhibits any of the following symptoms, then it is time for water testing:
Unusual Taste: VOC contamination can give water a chemical, plastic, or metallic taste, signaling the presence of harmful compounds.
-
Example: Toluene can impart a bitter or medicinal taste.
Strong Odor: A noticeable chemical smell, such as gasoline or solvents, may indicate VOCs.
-
Example: Benzene often produces a sweet, gasoline-like odor.
Cloudiness or Discoloration: VOCs can sometimes cause water to appear cloudy or discolored, though not all VOCs are visible.
Health Symptoms After Drinking: Dizziness, nausea, or throat irritation shortly after consuming water may indicate the presence of VOCs.
Proximity to Potential Sources: If your water source is near industrial areas, landfills, or pesticide-treated fields, the risk of VOC contamination increases, even if signs are not immediately apparent.
VOC Water Testing Methods
Many methods are used to determine the total amount of volatile organic compounds in water. The most common VOC water test methods are:
Lab Testing
-
How to Do: Collect a water sample following lab instructions and send it to a certified laboratory for analysis. Labs use advanced methods like gas chromatography to identify and quantify VOCs.
-
When to Use: Ideal for detailed results and compliance with regulatory standards.
At-Home VOC Test Kits
-
How to Do: Purchase a VOC-specific water test kit, follow instructions to collect a sample, and use test strips or send the sample to the kit’s partner lab for analysis.
-
When to Use: Convenient and cost-effective for initial screening.
Professional Water Quality Assessment
-
How to Do: Hire a water quality specialist to test your water directly at your home using portable testing equipment.
-
When to Use: Useful for immediate, on-site results and tailored recommendations.
EPA Guidelines for Self-Testing
-
How to Do: Follow Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocols for collecting water samples and conducting basic tests for specific VOCs.
-
When to Use: Suitable for individuals looking for validated procedures and guidance.
Effective Ways to Remove VOCs from Water
Once VOCs are detected, choosing the right removal method is critical. Here are the most effective solutions:
What Removes VOCs from Water?
Activated carbon filtration is one of the most promising methods for VOC removal and others such as reverse osmosis, distillation, and advanced oxidation processes.
1. Activated Ccarbon Filtration
-
Principle: The technique of activated carbon filtration involves the passing of water through specialized carbon filters which absorb and trap VOC. Hence it becomes one of the most effective methods for VOC-free water.
-
Application: Ideal for whole-house systems or under-sink units.
-
Effectiveness: Highly efficient for most VOCs, including benzene and trihalomethanes.
-
Best Product Recommendation: SimPure offers whole-house water filtration, which contains activated carbon filtration, and comprehensive filtration for household use, ensuring clean and VOC-free water.
2. Reverse osmosis
Among other methods for VOC removal from water is reverse osmosis.
-
Principle: In this method, the semi-permeable membrane retains most VOCs on its surface. Clean water is allowed to flow through while it traps VOC.
-
Effectiveness: Up to 99.99% removal efficiency of VOC and other pollutants.
-
Best Product Recommendation: You can have entirely filtered, pure, clean water for home use with SimPure RO systems. These systems are available as countertop and under-sink options, with models available in both tank and tankless configurations, suitable for both residential and commercial use.
-
SimPure Y7P-BW Countertop RO Water Filter Dispenser
SimPure Y7P-BW Countertop RO water filter dispenser is a standout product that effectively eliminates VOCs from water. In addition to VOCs in water, it can remove 99.99% of other contaminants, including heavy metals, fluoride, TDS, viruses, and bacteria, guaranteeing clean and pure water. The SimPure Y7P-BW Countertop RO water filter dispenser is tested against NSF/ANSI 58 standards. Check its SGS Test Report for credibility.
3. Distillation
Distillation also works to eliminate VOCs from water.
-
Principle: Water is brought to the boiling point and then condensed back into liquid form because the boiling points of VOCs are near that of water; thus, they could evaporate from water while leaving it pure and clean.
-
Application: Effective for small-scale purification needs.
-
Effectiveness: Excellent for removing VOCs with higher boiling points than water.
4. Advanced Oxidation Processes
-
Principle: The breakdown of VOCs takes place with oxidative processes such as UV radiation or ozone treatment.
-
Application: Typically combined with other filtration methods to maximize the purification results.
-
Effectiveness: Ideal for stubborn VOCs that resist traditional filtration methods.
Tips for Preventing VOC Contamination in Drinking Water
The imposed guidelines here are alone to help maintain that drinking water is well within the boundaries of purity.
-
Use Advanced Filtration Systems: Install a high-quality reverse osmosis system or activated carbon filter we mentioned above to effectively remove VOCs from your drinking water.
-
Properly Store Chemicals: Keep household chemicals like paints, solvents, and pesticides away from water sources to prevent accidental contamination.
-
Test Your Water Regularly: Conduct routine VOC water tests, especially if you live near industrial areas, landfills, or agricultural fields.
-
Maintain Septic Systems: Regularly inspect and maintain septic systems to prevent leaks that could introduce VOCs into groundwater.
-
Choose Safe Water Sources: Opt for bottled or certified safe municipal water if you suspect VOC contamination in your home water supply.
-
Caution with household products: Household products and chemicals also contain VOCs. Be more careful about using them. Dispose of them properly.
Currently, the presence of volatile organic compounds in water raise a lot of eyebrows, but with awareness and prompt action, one can find it very easy to get rid of these compounds.RO systems are amongst the ways by which such contaminants can be removed from water, thus creating safe and healthy drinking conditions. Just explore the range of SimPure high quality RO systems to enjoy clean, VOC-free water now!
References: