Question

water filtration system design planning assignment
mission briefing
your engineering team has been called in to design a water filtration system for a community facing a contamination crisis. before you start building, you need to create a detailed plan that addresses the specific water quality problems youve identified and explains how your system will solve them.
your assignment
create a comprehensive design plan for your water filtration system that includes both technical drawings and written explanations.
part 1: problem analysis (15 points)
water quality assessment
based on your week 1 water testing results, complete the following:

1. contamination profile list the specific contaminants found in your assigned water sample:

• physical contaminants (particles, sediment, color):
• chemical contaminants (ph issues, heavy metals, chlorine):
• biological contaminants (bacteria, viruses):

1. priority ranking rank these contaminants from most dangerous to least dangerous and explain your reasoning:
2. most dangerous:
3. second priority:
4. third priority:

explanation of ranking:

1. treatment goals what are your target levels for each contaminant after filtration? (use water quality standards)

Explanation:

Step1: Identify contaminants

Physical contaminants: Particles, sediment, color may affect water clarity and taste, but are less immediately harmful to health in small - amounts. Chemical contaminants such as heavy metals can cause long - term health issues like organ damage, and pH imbalances can corrode pipes and affect aquatic life. Biological contaminants like bacteria and viruses can cause immediate and severe health problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, and more serious diseases.

Step2: Rank contaminants

Biological contaminants are most dangerous as they can cause acute and life - threatening illnesses. Chemical contaminants are second as they can cause long - term and chronic health problems. Physical contaminants are least dangerous as they mainly affect aesthetic and non - health related aspects.

Step3: Set treatment goals

For physical contaminants, aim for zero visible particles and sediment, and a colorless appearance. For chemical contaminants, heavy metals should be reduced to levels below the maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) set by regulatory bodies, and pH should be in the range of 6.5 - 8.5. For biological contaminants, the goal should be zero detectable bacteria and viruses as per water quality standards.

Answer:

1. Contamination Profile:

• Physical contaminants: Particles, sediment, color
• Chemical contaminants: pH issues, heavy metals, chlorine
• Biological contaminants: Bacteria, viruses

1. Priority Ranking:

• Most dangerous: Biological contaminants (bacteria, viruses)
• Second priority: Chemical contaminants (pH issues, heavy metals, chlorine)
• Third priority: Physical contaminants (particles, sediment, color)
• Explanation of ranking: Biological contaminants can cause immediate and severe health problems. Chemical contaminants can cause long - term health issues. Physical contaminants mainly affect the aesthetic and non - health aspects of water.

1. Treatment Goals:

• Physical contaminants: Zero visible particles and sediment, colorless water.
• Chemical contaminants: Heavy metals below MCLs, pH in the range of 6.5 - 8.5.
• Biological contaminants: Zero detectable bacteria and viruses.