The Role of Iodine in Water Purification

One of the techniques of portable water purification is the use of iodine. Iodine plays a part in filtration as it is used to kill microorganisms. This chemical is a major player in water disinfection. The system is called iodine water purification.

Iodine water purification makes use of either iodine tablets or iodine crystals. Iodine can kill many pathogens thriving in natural fresh water sources. Thus, it is a good friend when going on camps or travelling. Iodine tablets work at least 30 minutes in warm and clear water, but longer in cold or turbid water. On the other hand, the use of iodine crystals is better as it is more convenient and economical to use as only a small amount of iodine is used. Iodine water purification using a crystallized form just requires a small amount of water poured into a small container that contains the iodine crystals. For it to work, the user should wait for 30 minutes before pouring the mixture into a larger source or container of untreated potable water. Then the user should wait again for a short time before he can consume the water. The waiting period is longer if the water is cold. The tip here is to wait for all crystals to be dissolved because it is harmful to ingest the crystals. Iodine crystals are also cost effective because of their longer or unlimited shelf life as compared to iodine tablets with a shelf life of only three months.

For better iodine water purification, vitamin C or ascorbic acid may be used to take off the iodine taste from the water. However, putting ascorbic acid should be done after the iodine has done its work in disinfecting the water, because it can cause the iodine to precipitate. Speaking of taste, iodine is better preferred to chlorine because its taste is less offensive and it works more efficiently. If you let the iodine settle longer in the water, its taste will disappear as it does not stay in the water over time. It sublimes into the air.

Many people recommend 10 percent povidone iodine (Betadine) in doing iodine water purification. Four drops of Betadine can disinfect one litre of water, such that 30mL of Betadine is enough to disinfect 150 litres of water. This is a good technique when faced with doubtful water in an eatery or restaurant. Just add two or three drops to a glass of water, stir, and wait for a few minutes.

Iodine water purification however, is not recommended for people who are allergic to iodine, people who have thyroid problems, and pregnant women. Moreover, iodine should not be used for months at a time.

These days, pre-prepared iodine kits are now available in the drug stores. The crystal forms, two percent liquid iodine tincture, and tablets are available over the counter. Water purification is important nowadays as we are very prone to unclean and polluted water. Our drinking water should be disinfected so that we will not ingest disease causing microorganisms such as amoeba, and giardia.

Iodine is a chemical that sublimes or evaporates easily. Thus, keeping them sealed in their container must be remembered.