PORTABLE WATER PUMP FILTER AS PURIFYING DEVICE FOR RIVER WATER CONTAMINANTS

Abstract

In the Philippines, approximately three million people are at risk due to the use of unsafe water sources. In addition, around seven million people do not have access to improved sanitation and sanitation services (Filipenco, 2023). Water filtration is one method used to address the shortage of potable water. In this study, the researchers developed a portable water filter using different filtering media powered by a water pump connected to a motorcycle battery as its energy source. An experimental research design was employed in conducting this study. The experiment involved filtering river water to produce water that is safe and suitable for drinking. Water testing strips were used to assess the quality of the filtered water and to determine the effectiveness of the portable water pump filter in removing contaminants from river water collected at Minalungao National Park. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the portable water pump filter in removing impurities from river water. The results of filtered water samples 1 and 2 indicated that the water was safe for drinking based on the drinking water parameters observed by the researchers. The filtered water showed a total alkalinity of 120 mg/L, a pH level of 7.6, hardness ranging from 100–150 mg/L, and cyanuric acid levels of 30–50 mg/L. Additionally, nitrate levels were recorded at 10 mg/L, nitrite at 1 mg/L, while the remaining parameters showed values of 0 mg/L. Bacterial testing of filtered water samples 1 and 2 revealed the absence of microorganisms, indicating that the water met the requirements for drinkable water. In contrast, results from water test strips applied to contaminated river water and water filtered using traditional filters indicated that the water was unsafe for human consumption. Furthermore, observations showed that the portable water pump filter’s battery power source was sufficient to sustain the filtration process, with the battery voltage remaining constant at 12 volts throughout the experiment. The results showed that the portable water pump filter was effective in filtering contaminants from river water. The filtered water was found to be safe for human consumption, as harmful bacteria and unwanted substances were removed during the filtration process. Additionally, the portable water pump filter proved to be more effective than traditional filters available in the market in providing a sustainable source of drinking water. The motorcycle battery power source was also found to be sufficient in supporting the filtration process.