Water Filters That Remove Aluminum
According to the United States Geological Service (USGS), “Aluminum is the second most abundant metallic element in the Earth's crust after silicon.” Currently, there are not any guidelines for safe levels of aluminum in the public drinking water supply. The National Institutes of Health studies suggest a link to aluminum and Alzheimer's disease (AD). "A recent epidemiological study in Ontario relating the incidence of AD to aluminum in drinking water strongly supports this conclusion." Different filtration processes can remove aluminum from water.
Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis is one way to remove aluminum from drinking water, according to the University of Arizona's SAHRA Project (Sustainability of semi-Arid Hydrology and Riparian Areas). A cation exchanger tank is used with hydrochloric acid, or sulfuric acid is used for regeneration. These systems can reduce the amount of aluminum in drinking water by 98 percent. These systems are plumbed-in with a permanent connection to an existing water pipe. The water is filtered and dispensed through the sink faucet. Reverse Osmosis systems are expensive, but they are an effective method of removing hard metals (such as aluminum) and other impurities from drinking water.
Countertop Filtration
This type of treatment places a filter on the counter that is connected to the sink by tubing. The water is filtered and sent back to the faucet by a return tube, or dispensed from the filtration unit by an attached tap or spout. Countertop filters are a less-expensive option for water filtration. They remove up to 99 percent of heavy metals and they inhibit bacteria growth.
Shower Filters
Aluminum in water stains tub and tile areas in the bathroom. Shower filters remove aluminum and other pollutants that can irritate skin. Using filters keeps the shower free from hard water stains and inhibits the growth of bacteria. Some shower filters are made for high output for an invigorating shower experience and water conservation.
Fluoride Water Filters
Fluoride water filters are more complex, having three stages to filter fluoride, chlorine, pesticides, and heavy metals. Each stage of the filter removes different impurities. These water filters are mounted under the counter or installed on the countertop. The first stage has activated alumina to filter fluoride; the second stage has KDF/GAC (high-purity, granulated copper, and zinc-based alloys/granulated activated carbon) to remove the activated alumina, herbicides, pesticides, and industrial chemicals; and the third stage is a Doulton ceramic cartridge that will reduce aluminum in the water.
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Writer Bio
Caroline Thompson is a professional photojournalist who has been working for print and online publications since 1999. Her work has appeared in the "Sacramento Bee," "People Magazine," "Newsweek" and other publications. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in photojournalism from California State University at Hayward and a personal trainer certification from the university's Health and Fitness Institute.
Photo Credits
- Michael Blann/Photodisc/Getty Images
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