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Metallic iron for safe drinking water provision: Considering a lost knowledge.
Hezron T Mwakabona1, Arnaud Igor Ndé-Tchoupé2, Karoli N Njau3
1Department of Physical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3038, Tanzania; Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Water and Environmental Science and Engineering, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha P.O. Box 447, Tanzania.
Ancient European knowledge from the 1890s shows metallic iron (Fe0) effectively purifies drinking water. This historical insight validates modern understanding of Fe0 materials as crucial for contaminant removal in water treatment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science and Engineering
- Water Treatment Technologies
- Materials Science
Background:
- Metallic iron (Fe0) water purification was established in Europe around 1890.
- Manufacturing techniques for Fe0 materials were developed during this period.
- Historical knowledge of Fe0 applications in water treatment is largely overlooked in recent research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present key aspects of historical Fe0 water treatment knowledge.
- To offer contemporary interpretations of ancient Fe0 material applications.
- To validate the scientific concept of Fe0 as a contaminant collector in water treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review and analysis of historical European water treatment practices using Fe0.
- Exploration of scientific principles behind Fe0 material suitability and process development.
- Comparison of historical findings with modern scientific understanding of Fe0/H2O systems.
Main Results:
- Historical data demonstrates established Fe0 material manufacturing and application skills by 1890.
- Ancient practices included exploring Fe0 material suitability (e.g., iron filling, sponge iron) for various uses.
- Historical knowledge independently validates the principle that Fe0 materials generate contaminant collectors in water treatment.
Conclusions:
- Historical knowledge regarding metallic iron (Fe0) for water purification is scientifically sound.
- Fe0 materials in the Fe0/H2O system act as generators of contaminant collectors.
- Integrating historical insights can enhance modern environmental remediation and water treatment strategies.