Alum (Aluminum Sulfate) – Pure Water Products, LLC (2024)

One of the first of the several steps that municipal water suppliers use to prepare water for distribution is getting it as clear and as particulate-free as possible. To accomplish this, the water is treated with aluminum sulfate, commonly called alum, which serves as a flocculant. Raw water often holds tiny suspended particles that are very difficult for a filter to catch. Alum causes them to clump together so that they can settle out of the water or be easily trapped by a filter.

Usually a mixture of water with 48 percent filter alum is injected into the raw incoming water at a rate of 18 to 24 parts per million. The alum promotes coagulation of fine particles which helps resolve problems of color as well as turbidity. If the process is given enough time to work and is applied properly, it not only corrects problems in the water but actually results in removing most of the aluminum used in the process.

Health Effects of Alum/Aluminum

Although concern over the safety of treating water with aluminum has often been voiced, there is no evidence that aluminum in water, whether it comes from the aluminum sulfate used in treatment or from other sources, is a health issue. Actually, most aluminum that we take in does come from other sources. One study showed that only between 0.4% and 1.0% of our lifetime intake of aluminum comes from alum used to prepare municipal water. Most aluminum intake is from aluminum that occurs naturally in foods, aluminum used in food packaging, and from products like deodorants and vaccines.

Water Treatment for Alum/Aluminum

Water treatment for aluminum is normally not needed, but aluminum is easy to remove with reverse osmosis or distillation.

Photo source: WikiMedia, author: tokoro koko

Alum (Aluminum Sulfate) – Pure Water Products, LLC (2024)

FAQs

Is aluminum sulfate safe in drinking water? ›

The AWWA recommends that concentrations of aluminum in drinking water should not exceed 0.05 parts per million (0.05 ppm or mg/L) and the USEPA recommends that the level not exceed 0.2 ppm.

Is alum treated water safe to drink? ›

a variety of possible causes have been considered, however, no link between aluminium intake and the disease has been established. RESEARCH FINDINGS the csIro has conducted extensive research in this matter and in late 1998 found convincing evidence that the use of alum to treat drinking water is safe.

What is the use of aluminum sulphate in water treatment? ›

Aluminium sulfate is used in water purification and for chemical phosphorus removal from wastewater. It causes suspended impurities to coagulate into larger particles and then settle to the bottom of the container (or be filtered out) more easily. This process is called coagulation or flocculation.

What is alum sulphate used for? ›

Aluminum sulfate has several practical uses in the medical field. It is primarily used as a coagulating agent in treating minor cuts and abrasions as well as deodorant (due to its antibacterial properties).

Is alum harmful to human health? ›

Alum's toxicity to humans

Aluminum sulfate is fairly non-toxic, with acute and chronic oral LD50 both greater than 5,000mg/kg (5). However, alum can still cause irritation, burns, and respiratory issues. If inhaled, it may cause headaches, nausea, and respiratory irritations.

Is Aluminium sulphate harmful to humans? ›

The substance is severely irritating to the eyes, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract. The substance is mildly irritating to the skin. A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed, especially if powdered. The substance may have effects on the central nervous system.

How long does alum water last? ›

How long will the alum treatment last? An alum treatment can last 10–15 years or even longer, depending on the level of external phosphorus loading to the lake. The less phosphorus that enters the lake from external sources, the more effective the treatment.

Why is alum used in water? ›

Aluminium sulfate or alum is used as a flocculant to remove colour and turbidity from water supplies. The alum promotes coagulation of fine particles. Once coagulated, they sediment down.

How long does alum take to purify water? ›

Took about five liters of water in a plastic bucket and added half a teaspoon of powdered Alum (that is about 50 mg which works out to 10 mg per liter of water) and stirred well. This bucket of water needs to be kept still for about 6 to 7 hours so that the sediments get coagulated and settles down at the bottom.

How often should I apply aluminum sulfate? ›

How to use
  1. Dissolve 3 ml (3/5 tsp) per litre of water and water plants generously.
  2. Repeat every 2-3 weeks. This is an effective rate to change hydrangeas to blue.

How long does it take for aluminum sulfate to work? ›

5. Dig It In. Incorporate the aluminum sulfate about 6 inches into the soil with a shovel or rototiller in early spring when you are preparing your garden soil for the season. Unlike other pH-altering amendments that can take months to work, aluminum sulfate acidifies the soil immediately.

Does alum increase pH of water? ›

Alum (aluminum sulfate; Al2(SO4)3. 14H2O) is acidic in water and can reduce total alkalinity and pH by neutralizing carbonate and bicarbonate compounds with a greater decline in pH when applied to water with low initial total alkalinity (Boyd 1979a; 1990; Wilkinson 2002).

What are 3 common uses for alum? ›

Uses of Alum
  • It is used in the pickling and baking process.
  • It is used in the tanning process of leather.
  • It is used in the Coagulation and Flocculation process of Water treatment.
  • It is used as an acidulating agent in cooking.
  • It is used as a drying agent in a textile company.
  • It is used as an antiseptic agent.

How do you apply alum to water? ›

Make an alum solution by adding 7.5 grams of alum to one liter of tap water. Then prepare three or four cups with turbid soil solution. Add different amounts of the alum solution to each of the cups (for example zero, one, three and five milliliters) and stir all of them for two minutes (with help, of course).

Does alum clot blood? ›

It acts as a hemostatic agent, allowing the blood clot to form. The high ionic strength promotes flocculation of the blood and the astringent chemical causes local vasoconstriction.

Is alum good for stomach? ›

This medication is used to treat the symptoms of too much stomach acid such as stomach upset, heartburn, and acid indigestion. It is also used to relieve symptoms of extra gas such as belching, bloating, and feelings of pressure/discomfort in the stomach/gut.

Does alum cause hair fall? ›

Alum contains effective properties which will allow the minerals to settle down in the water for some time. This will prevent oxidization to take place, thus, preventing hair loss problem.

Does aluminum sulfate cause Alzheimer's? ›

Although aluminium has been seen in amyloid plaques there is no solid evidence that aluminium is increased in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. No convincing relationship between amount of exposure or aluminium in the body and the development of Alzheimer's disease has been established.

What happens if you have aluminum in your body? ›

Oral exposure to aluminum is usually not harmful. Some studies show that people exposed to high levels of aluminum may develop Alzheimer's disease, but other studies have not found this to be true. We do not know for certain that aluminum causes Alzheimer's disease.

What are the symptoms of aluminum toxicity? ›

Symptoms of aluminum toxicity such as anemia and impaired iron absorption decrease the number of red blood cells.
...
Symptoms
  • Confusion.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Bones that hurt, change shape, or break.
  • Seizures.
  • Speech problems.
  • Slow growth (in children)

What can I do to tighten my Virginia? ›

Kegel Exercise

Kegels are extremely effective for toning the pelvic floor, decreasing incontinence and improving sexual satisfaction. Kegels are tightening the muscles of your pelvic floor in several sets of repetitions throughout the day.

Does alum destroy bacteria? ›

Strong antibacterial activity of white alum compared with control was shown against tested bacterium. In conclusion, white alum can be used as an inhibitor of bacterial growth, especially for Escherichia coli O157:H7.

Does alum remove bacteria? ›

In a second alum application to the lake, 95% of the total culturable bacterial population was removed from the water column. In a laboratory column study of survival and release rates, over 90% of an Escherichia coli suspension was concentrated in a floc formed at the bottom.

What happens when alum is mixed with water? ›

When alum is added in water, it reacts with alkalinity present in water and leads to formation of sticky gelatinous precipitate of Aluminium hydroxide which attracts fine suspended impurities in water over its surface and gets easily settled in the following sedimentation process.

Is alum water good for your hair? ›

Yes, you can colour your hair easily at home using alum, which is essentially a chemical compound found in many minerals. It can be easily purchased in the market. You can use to make your grey hair turn black. Just grind some alum powder and then make a paste using some rose water.

Why does alum clear dirty water? ›

Alum helps in purifying water by aluminium which coagulates the mud particles. Because of the high charge on the aluminium ion (Al+3), it helps the small particles of suspended solids to group together until they are of such size that they sink and can be removd.

What are aluminum sulfate side effects? ›

Substantial ingestion of aluminium sulphate causes burning in the mouth and throat, gingival necrosis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and, in severe cases, haemorrhagic gastritis with circulatory collapse (Gosselin et al, 1984; Royal Society of Chemistry, 1989; Meditext, 1995).

Is aluminum sulfate good for all plants? ›

ACID LOVING PLANTS - Aluminum Sulfate is designed to lower soil pH for acid-loving plants such as Azaleas, Camellia, Gardenia, Hemlock, Holly, & more. It helps to turn Hydrangeas blue also. ALL SOILS COVERED - Our Aluminum Sulfate works in all types of soil including sandy soil, loamy soil, & clay soil.

How much aluminum sulfate is used in water treatment? ›

Aluminium sulphate is dosed as liquid solution, usually between 5-47% w/w. It is usually introduced via dosing pumps into an area of high water turbulence to facilitate rapid mixing of the alum with the recipient water.

Is alum water acidic or alkaline? ›

Aqueous solution of Potash alum is acidic in nature because it is a double salt of strong acid (H2SO4) & weak base(Al(OH)3)

How can I raise the pH in my water fast? ›

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate NaHCO₃) increases the KH and pH of water. You can add 1 teaspoon of baking soda per 5 gallons (19 liters) of water.

Can you drink alum powder? ›

Yes, alum is edible. Potassium alum is an active ingredient in baking powder.

What is another name for alum? ›

noun Chemistry. Also called potash alum, potassium alum. a crystalline solid, aluminum potassium sulfate, K2SO4⋅Al2(SO4)3⋅24H2O, used in medicine as an astringent and styptic, in dyeing and tanning, and in many technical processes.

Can I wash my face with alum water? ›

You can also immerse a large piece of cloth in alum water and gently clean your face with it. After some time wash your face with some clean water.

Is alum water good for skin? ›

Firstly, it is an astringent, meaning it causes the skin to contract or shrink. Astringents can temporarily reduce the size of pores and tighten the skin. Alum is also bacteriostatic, which means it prevents bacteria from growing, making it useful as a preservative.

Does alum remove wrinkles? ›

It all boils down to the toning, astringent and brightening properties of potassium alum. You can use your crystal to smooth wrinkles and fine lines, to treat acne, blemishes and breakouts, or to brighten dark spots.

Can I use alum to wash my mouth? ›

Daily use of an alum-containing mouthrinse was safe and produced significant reduction effect on plaque and salivary levels of oral Streptococcus and can be used in children for the preventive dentistry.

Can we apply alum daily? ›

You can use it on your face once or twice daily, after gently cleansing the skin.

What is a safe level of aluminum in drinking water? ›

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level (SMCL) of 0.05–0.2 milligrams per liter (mg/L) for aluminum in drinking water. This level is set to protect from aluminum changing the color of the water.

What is a safe level of sulfate in drinking water? ›

Health Risks for Humans

To be safe, only use water with a sulfate level lower than 500 milligrams per liter (mg/L) to make infant formula. Older children and adults may get used to high sulfate levels after a few days.

What happens if you drink water with aluminum? ›

The short answer is: no, you don't need to. In general, aluminum is safe, as it's abundantly present in the environment, there is no health risk that accompanies drinking out of an aluminum water bottle. Aluminum itself doesn't have a high toxicity level, and the aluminum in water bottles less so.

Is aluminum in water toxic? ›

In the aquatic environment, aluminum acts as a toxic agent on animals that use gill-breathing such as fish and invertebrates, by causing a loss of their osmoregulatory function (i.e., maintaining appropriate body pressure in water by aquatic organisms by controlling the uptake of salts and ions from water) 4.

What does aluminum do to the brain? ›

Aluminum, as a known neurotoxicant, contributes to cognitive dysfunction and may contribute to Alzheimer's disease. The important reason is that aluminum can enter and be deposited in the brain. There have been three routes by which aluminum could enter the brain from systemic circulation or the site of absorption.

Can aluminum damage kidneys? ›

In reality, it's almost impossible to absorb enough aluminum through the skin to harm the kidneys. "Unless you eat your stick or spray it into your mouth, your body can't absorb that much aluminum," says nephrologist Leslie Spry, MD, FACP, spokesperson for the National Kidney Foundation.

Is it better to drink water from a plastic or aluminum? ›

Aluminum is infinitely recyclable, keeps your drinks cold, does not leach harmful chemicals, and doesn't risk a spill. These benefits alone make aluminum water bottles an obvious choice over single-use plastic.

What human diseases are associated with sulfates? ›

Sulfate particles are part of PM2. 5, and so they have health effects similar to those from exposure to PM2. 5. These include reduced lung function, aggravated asthmatic symptoms, and increased risk of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and death in people who have chronic heart or lung diseases.

Should you avoid sulfate? ›

Sulfates don't necessarily pose health risks for all users. However, if you have a sensitivity to sulfates or if your hair is dry, fine, or damaged, it may be best to choose a different type of shampoo. You might even just prefer to avoid them altogether to be on the safe side.

Why should you avoid sulfate? ›

So, if sulfates are safe and effective, why do they have a bad reputation? Turns out that sulfates can be too effective at washing away oil, which can leave hair or skin feeling a little parched. And if your skin or scalp is particularly sensitive, sulfates can cause irritations like redness or itching.

What type of water bottle is safest? ›

Glass is the safest water bottle type because it's chemical-free, made from natural materials, and dishwasher safe.

What is the best container to drink water out of? ›

The safest plastic containers to hold water are polyethylene-based plastics, or plastics #1, #2, and #4. All food-grade plastics are made of High-density polyethylene (HDPE) #2. But be careful, because something made out of HDPE #2 might not necessarily be food grade.

How long does aluminum stay in your body? ›

This aluminium contributes towards the body burden until its residue is washed off the skin surface perhaps up to 24 h later.

Why you shouldn't drink out of aluminum? ›

But that is all they are... Myths based on decades-old studies that have since been debunked many times over. The truth is that it's safe to drink from aluminum—very safe—according to science, data, and industry leaders alike.

Does bottled water contain aluminium? ›

Like tap water, bottled waters vary in their aluminum content. Aluminum may be found in some bottled waters because it occurs naturally at the source. Also, some bottled water manufacturers use tap water with or without additional treatment; if aluminum is in the tap water, it may also be in the bottled water.

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