I will explore the potential risks of exposure to two members of a family of man-made chemicals called PFAS. These chemicals are PFOA and PFOS.
I will discuss the sources of PFOA and PFOS. These include leaching from industrial sites, the use of consumer products, and food and water contamination.
I will also discuss the exposure pathways of PFOA and PFOS. I will examine the regulations and guidelines for the use of these chemicals. I will also investigate their impact on the environment and various industries.
I will guide how to limit exposure to PFOA and PFOS and protect oneself from potential health risks. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) have been primary environmental safety concerns raised recently. There may be short and long-term health impacts on humans.
This guide covers the potential risks of PFOA and PFOS. It explains their sources and exposure pathways. It also looks at regulations and guidelines for their usage and impact on the environment and industries.
Introduction to PFOA and PFOS
PFOA and PFOS are fluorinated organic compounds used in various industrial and consumer applications for decades. PFOA is a synthetic chemical that produces non-stick coatings, stain-resistant fabrics, and water-resistant clothing. PFOS is another synthetic chemical used in firefighting foams, stain-resistant coatings, and cleaning products.
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Topics:
water treatment issues,
water quality,
water treatment,
advanced treatment solutions,
FDA,
Safe drinking water,
wastewater,
Global,
RO system,
DeLoach Industries, Inc.,
Drinking Water,
PFA's,
DeLoach Industries,
Cosmetics,
make-up,
water process system,
removing PFAS & PFOS,
pfas exposure,
health effects of pfas,
nonstick cookware,
wastewater treatment system,
water treatment standards,
PFOS,
safe drinking water act,
pfoa regulations,
the environmental protection agency,
drinking water standards,
adverse health effects,
water resistant clothing,
environmental safety
One of the most pressing issues that we face today is the phenomenon of red tide. Red tide is algae bloom that can cause serious harm to marine life and humans.
In this article, I will explore what red tide is, what causes it, and its impact on Florida. Most importantly, the role of wastewater treatment in helping to prevent it.
What is Red Tide?
Red tide is a natural phenomenon that occurs when certain species of algae grow out of control. These algae produce toxins that harm marine life and humans. The term "red tide" comes from the reddish-brown color that the water takes on when the algae bloom. The bloom can happen in any part of the world in warm, coastal waters.
What Causes Red Tide?
Various factors cause these harmful algae to bloom.
- Changes in water temperature
- Nutrient pollution
- Ocean currents
The most common cause is nutrient pollution. Nutrient pollution occurs when excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus enter the water. These nutrients can come from agricultural runoff, sewage from residential drain fields, inefficient wastewater treatment plants, septic tanks, and fertilizer.
Red Tide Blooms in Florida - History and Impact
Florida has a long history of deadly algae blooms. The state experiences red tide almost every year, lasting for months.
It devastates the state's marine life, including fish, sea turtles, and dolphins. The algae produce toxins that can kill these animals. The dead fish can wash up on shore, causing beachgoers an unpleasant odor and an eyesore.
How Do These Microscopic Algae Affect Marine Life?
It affects marine life in a variety of ways. The algae's toxins can cause respiratory problems and neurological issues.
With most coastal outbreaks, the loss of marine life is significant. It produces toxins and decreases oxygen levels, another contributing factor to marine animal fatalities. Red tide disrupts the entire ecosystem and has been increasing in both frequencies of outbreaks as well as areas impacted.
How Does Red Tide Impact Humans?
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Topics:
water treatment issues,
water treatment,
wastewater,
DeLoach Industries,
water process system,
red tide,
wastewater treatment plants,
red tide in florida,
wastewater treatment system,
cause of red tide,
water temperature,
marine life,
wastewater treatment infrastructure,
benefits of wastewater treatment,
water treatment standards
PFAS, or 'the forever chemicals, due to their long-lasting nature, are present in nonstick cookware, food packaging, and stain repellents and can cause health issues. Knowing the sources, making conscious decisions about products, limiting processed and packaged foods, and opting for safer alternatives is essential. You can protect yourself and your family from potential harm through these steps.
What is PFAS?
PFAS are a class of chemical substances used in various commercial and industrial applications, including nonstick cookware, stain repellents, and food packaging.
There are two main types of PFAS:
- Traditional PFAS
- Next-generation PFAS (also known as 'long-chain' PFAS).
Traditional PFAS include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), which have been phased out in the United States due to health concerns.
Next-generation PFAS such as perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) have also been identified as contaminants in drinking water and other consumer products. Unfortunately, next-generation PFAS are not regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Health effects of PFAS
PFAS exposure at low levels can cause a few health risks and medical conditions, such as weakened immunity, thyroid issues, and cancer. Research is ongoing to see if it can impact fetus/baby growth and development, but these results are not definitive. Pregnant women can pass on PFAS to their fetuses, which could hurt the infant's health. Also, children exposed to PFAS in their young years may be at a higher risk for getting ADHD in the future.
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Topics:
water quality,
advanced treatment solutions,
Safe drinking water,
Global,
distillation,
DeLoach Industries, Inc.,
Drinking Water,
Clean Water,
Contaminated Water,
PFA's,
Water Test,
Water Test Kit,
DeLoach Industries,
make-up,
removing PFAS & PFOS,
pfas exposure,
health effects of pfas,
exposure to pfas,
nonstick cookware,
food packaging
If you’ve been reading the news lately, you know nanoparticles are not so great. In everything from cosmetics to water filters, nanoparticles have been shown to cause various health problems. But what exactly are nanoparticles, and how can you protect yourself from their harmful effects? Let’s answer these questions and more with this quick guide on removing nanoparticles from your drinking water.
What are Nanoparticles?
Nano is a prefix that’s used to indicate how small something is. In the case of nanoparticles, it means particles less than 100 nanometers. Water filters that use nanoparticles are generally around 0.2 to 0.3 microns or 2,000 to 3,000 nanometers. That’s pretty small. There are some health concerns with nanoparticles. When ingested, they can cause inflammatory reactions in the body, disrupt normal organ function, and lead to a buildup of fluids in the lungs or other organs. A 2017 study found that the number of nanoparticles in drinking water is higher than expected and that using carbon filtration may make some nanoparticles more likely to leach into the water.
Where Are Nanoparticles Found?
Nanoparticles are found in a lot of modern products. Their small size makes them ideal for air and water filters, sunscreens, and cosmetics. It’s important to note that not all nanoparticles are harmful. Some are beneficial. Nanoparticles of silver are often added to water filters to help remove bacteria and other contaminants from drinking water. There are a few places where nanoparticles are most often found. - In water filters - Nanoparticles are often added to water filters to help remove bacteria and harmful contaminants. - In sunscreens - Some sunscreen products contain nanoparticles of zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and other minerals that provide broad UV protection. - In cosmetics - Many makeups, lip balms, and other beauty products contain nanoparticles of iron, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and other minerals that help preserve the product and provide color.
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Topics:
water treatment issues,
water quality,
water treatment,
advanced treatment solutions,
About DeLoach Industries,
water plant,
safety,
Safe drinking water,
Global,
distillation,
RO membrane,
RO system,
particulate matter,
filters,
municipal water systems,
residential well water systems,
DeLoach Industries, Inc.,
Drinking Water,
Clean Water,
Water Test,
Water Test Kit,
DeLoach Industries,
technology,
minerals,
temperature,
nanoparticles,
Cosmetics,
Nano,
make-up,
organ function,
contaminants,
pressure filters,
reverse osmosis,
carbon filters,
UV filters,
activated carbon
3D printing is a technology that has only recently become commercially available.
Progress in the last decade has allowed the equipment to excel tremendously.
3D print technology was started in 1987 by 3D Systems Corporation. The technology gained traction in the early 2010s. 3D printing is a type of additive manufacturing that creates three-dimensional parts. By successively adding material layer by layer until the part is complete.
To create the part, a 3D CAD model is required. The potential of 3D printing has led to a wide variety of technologies on the market. This blog will go into depth on the most prevalent types of 3D printing and their applications.
Figure: Direct side-by-side comparison of the three polymer 3D print technologies discussed in this blog.
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Topics:
water treatment,
DeLoach Industries, Inc.,
3D CAD,
software,
3D,
DeLoach Industries,
3D parametric,
dimensions,
technology,
2D CAD,
parametric,
nylon,
abrasion,
printer,
sls,
Polymer,
geometries,
printing,
prototyping,
interlocking,
3D technology,
interior,
Polylactic Acid,
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene,
Isotropic
In water treatment systems it is often important to measure the rate at which water is flowing through the system. Data from flow measurement devices can be used to control chemical dosing, set pump speeds, control filter loading rates, inform maintenance programs, and other tasks necessary for operation of a water treatment facility or on key components such as Degasification and Decarbonation systems or Biological Odor Control Systems. As with most types of instrumentation, there is an array of technologies that can be used for the task, each one with various strengths and optimal applications. For modern electronically controlled systems, the most common types of flow sensors used are axial turbine flowmeters, paddlewheel flowmeters, differential pressure / orifice plate flow transducers, and magnetic flowmeters. This article will briefly discuss the technology and features of each of these types.
A turbine flow meter,
consists of a tube that contains supports to hold a multi-bladed metal turbine in the center. The turbine is designed to have close clearance to the walls of the tubing such that nearly all of the water is made to flow through the turbine blades as it travels through the pipe. The turbine is supported on finely finished bearings so that the turbine will spin freely even under very low flows. As the turbine spins, a magnetic pickup located outside of the flowmeter housing is used to sense the tips of the turbine blade spinning past the pickup. An amplifier/transmitter is then used to amplify the pulses and either transmit them directly or convert the pulse frequency into an analog signal that is then sent to a programmable controller for further use elsewhere in the system. One advantage of a turbine flowmeter is that the electronics are separated from the fluid path. The magnetic pickup is the only electronic component, and it is installed outside of the turbine housing, reading the presence of the turbine blade tips through the wall of the sensor body. In clean water applications, this can be advantageous because the magnetic pickup can be replaced if needed without removing the turbine from service. However, the turbine itself covers most of the pipe area and creates back-pressure in the system, requiring increased pumping energy to move a given amount of water. In Industrial Water Treatment or Filtration Treatment, turbines can also easily become fouled or jammed if they are used to measure water or other fluids with entrained solids, algae or bacteria cultures which cause significant accumulation, or corrosive chemical components that can degrade the turbine bearings.
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Topics:
water quality,
water treatment,
advanced treatment solutions,
About DeLoach Industries,
water plant,
pumps,
Alkalinity,
Safe drinking water,
wastewater,
Recycling,
pharmaceutical water,
Aqua Farming,
Aquaculture,
Pipe Size,
municipal water systems,
industrial facilities,
DeLoach Industries, Inc.,
actuated valves,
pump controls,
Drinking Water,
Clean Water,
Water Test,
Water Test Kit,
DeLoach Industries,
civil engineers
