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Coloration in water, whether natural or artificial, is an important parameter to consider during water treatment. Not only does it affect the aesthetics of the water, but it can also indicate the presence of substances that need to be removed to ensure water quality for human consumption or for its use in various industries.

Water coloration can have several causes:

• Natural organic matter: The presence of humic and fulvic substances, resulting from the decomposition of plant material, can impart a yellowish or brown color to the water.

• Metals: The presence of metals such as iron and manganese can cause reddish or blackish colorations.

• Algae and other microorganisms: Some algae and microorganisms can release pigments that color the water.

• Industrial pollutants: Discharges from textile, paper, or food industries can introduce dyes and other substances that alter the color of the water.

Importance of Color Removal

• Aesthetics: Drinking water must be colorless to be considered acceptable by consumers.

• Health: Some substances that cause coloration can be harmful to human health.

• Interference with other treatments: The presence of dyes can interfere with other water treatment processes, such as disinfection.

Methods of Color Removal

Several methods exist to remove coloration from water, including:

• Coagulation-flocculation: This process uses chemicals to agglomerate the particles that cause coloration, facilitating their removal by sedimentation or filtration.

• Filtration: Filtration through sand beds or membranes can remove particles and microorganisms that cause coloration.

• Adsorption: The use of activated carbon or other adsorbent materials can remove dyes and other organic substances from the water.

• Oxidation: Oxidation with chlorine, ozone, or hydrogen peroxide can decolorize certain organic substances.

Coloration in water is an indicator of the presence of substances that can affect its quality. Color removal is an important step in water treatment to ensure its portability and its safe use in various applications. The choice of color removal method will depend on the characteristics of the water and the objectives of the treatment.