Polluted Water's Impact: Ocean Venting And Its Consequences

Polluted water is the most common naturally occurring liquid on most asteroids, especially in the Swamp Biome. It can be created by a variety of sources, including as a by-product of certain amenities, such as lavatories, showers, and algae distillers. Polluted water can be converted into clean water through various methods, such as using a water sieve or a liquid pump. One of the challenges in harnessing polluted water vents is dealing with the presence of germs, which can be addressed by using chlorine, radiation, or heating the water. The output of polluted water vents can be utilized for various purposes, including cooling and farming certain plants.

Polluted water vents can be used for Thimble Reed farming

Polluted water vents are a great source of water for Thimble Reed farming. Thimble Reed is a plant that resembles a cattail and naturally grows in swamp biomes. It can also be grown underwater using hydroponic farm tiles, but it still needs to be irrigated. This plant requires a temperature range of 22°C to 37°C and an atmosphere of oxygen, polluted oxygen, carbon dioxide, water, or polluted water.

Polluted water vents are a renewable source of polluted water, which is essential for Thimble Reed farming. The vents output germy, polluted water at +30°C, which is ideal for Thimble Reed as basic plants like Mealwood and Bristle Blossoms stop growing above this temperature. The polluted water from the vents can be used directly for Thimble Reed farming without any need for additional cooling, saving power.

However, it is important to note that the polluted water from the vents contains food poisoning germs, which can be harmful to humans if ingested. Therefore, it is recommended to use a water sieve to convert the polluted water into clean water before using it for any other purpose, such as drinking or cooking. The water sieve will return 100% of the mass as clean water, but it will also turn sand into polluted dirt. Additionally, the sieved water will still contain food poisoning germs, so a source of radiation, such as a Shine Bug or a Radiation Lamp, is necessary to kill the germs.

Alternatively, in the base game, chlorine can be used to purify the water, and this method can also be employed in the DLC version. It is crucial to ensure that the water is free of germs before it enters the main water tank to prevent any health risks. By following these steps, players can effectively utilize polluted water vents for Thimble Reed farming while also ensuring the safety of their water supply for other purposes.

Polluted water can be turned into clean water using a water sieve

It is important to note that the water sieve does not kill germs, so if the polluted water contains germs, the clean water will also become contaminated. To avoid this, it is recommended to use a source of radiation, such as a Shine Bug or a Radiation Lamp, to kill the germs before sending the water to the main water tank. Alternatively, in the base game, you can use chlorine to disinfect the water.

The water sieve is a helpful building as polluted water is a valuable resource. It can be used to operate structures like the carbon skimmer or the lavatory without consuming clean water. Polluted water is also a better coolant than pure water due to its wider temperature range.

In addition to the water sieve, there are other methods to obtain clean water. For example, salt water and brine can be turned into water using a desalinator. By chaining a water sieve and a desalinator, you can effectively convert a mixture of liquids into clean water.

Polluted water can be used to cool down hot liquids

To use polluted water for cooling, it is recommended to have a liquid reservoir, a liquid pump, and a water sieve to clean and store the water. Additionally, a source of radiation, such as a shine bug or a radiation lamp, is necessary to kill the germs. Only after ensuring the water is germ-free should it be sent to the main water tank. This process of cleaning and sterilizing polluted water is crucial to prevent potential sickness in duplicants who may consume the water.

The cleaned and sterilized polluted water can then be used for various purposes, including cooling. The water can be pumped and run through radiant pipes, acting as a coolant for hot liquids. This method can be particularly useful for cooling metal refineries, as they require cooling liquid for each use. By sending in pre-cooled liquid, the output liquid's temperature will be closer to the suitable range.

It is worth noting that the freezing point of polluted water is lower than that of clean water. This property can be advantageous in certain scenarios, such as when cooling liquids for specific plant needs. For example, plants like Mealwood and Bristle Blossoms require water temperatures below +30°C for optimal growth. By cooling the liquid before it reaches the plants, you can maintain the desired temperature with less power consumption.

In summary, polluted water can indeed be used to cool down hot liquids, but proper precautions must be taken to address the presence of germs. With the right equipment and processes, polluted water can be transformed into a valuable resource for cooling liquids in a variety of applications.

Polluted water can be used to water plants

Water quality is a critical aspect of greenhouse crop production. While it is possible to use polluted water to water plants, there are several factors to consider to ensure the water is acceptable for plant growth and to minimize the risk of discharging pollutants to surface or groundwater. Firstly, the type of pollution in the water is important. Some types of pollution, such as high levels of sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl), can be mitigated by mixing the polluted water with municipal water, rainwater, or water treated by reverse osmosis to dilute the pollutant concentrations. However, other types of pollution, such as heavy metals or toxic ions, may require more stringent treatment methods or even a change in the water source.

The pH and alkalinity of the water are also crucial factors. The pH measures the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in the water, with lower pH values indicating higher acidity. For irrigation, the ideal pH range is between 5.0 and 7.0. Alkalinity, which is separate from pH, measures the water's ability to neutralize acidity and is influenced by the geologic materials from which the water is sourced. Water with high alkalinity may need to be adjusted before mixing with certain pesticides, floral preservatives, or growth regulators.

Suspended solids, such as sand, soil, leaves, organic matter, algae, and weeds, can clog irrigation systems and should be removed through filtration. Additionally, the presence of disease-causing organisms and soluble salts in the water may require reconditioning through treatment processes before using the water for irrigation. Water quality should be tested in a laboratory equipped to assess agricultural irrigation water to ensure it meets the specific needs of the plants and does not negatively impact their growth.

It is worth noting that even in developed countries, large-scale agriculture often utilizes water directly from natural sources like rivers, lakes, and ponds without prior treatment. However, certain contaminants, such as arsenic, must be avoided as they can pose risks to human health if consumed through contaminated crops. Proper understanding of the reasons why the water is polluted and implementing appropriate treatment or mitigation measures are essential before using polluted water for irrigating plants.

Polluted water can be purified using chlorine

One method to purify polluted water with chlorine is to use liquid chlorine bleach. The amount of bleach required depends on the concentration of bleach and the volume of water. For example, the US EPA recommends using 8 drops of 6% bleach or 6 drops of 8.25% bleach per gallon of water. If the water is cloudy, coloured, or very cold, the amount of bleach should be doubled. After stirring and allowing the solution to stand for 30 minutes, it should have a slight chlorine odour. If there is no odour, the dosage should be repeated, and the water should stand for an additional 15 minutes. If the chlorine taste is too strong, pouring the water between clean containers and letting it stand for a few hours can help reduce the chlorine taste.

Another method is to create a chlorine solution by dissolving granular calcium hypochlorite in water. This process should be done in a well-ventilated area while wearing eye protection. One heaping teaspoon (approximately 1/4 ounce) of high-test granular calcium hypochlorite is added to two gallons of water and stirred until dissolved. This solution can then be used to disinfect water by adding one part of the chlorine solution to every 100 parts of water being treated. Similar to the previous method, if the chlorine taste is too strong, pouring the water between containers can help reduce the taste.

It is important to note that while chlorine can be effective in purifying water, it can also form disinfection byproducts (DBPs) when it combines with naturally occurring organic matter in the water. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, long-term regular exposure to DBPs can have negative health effects. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the guidelines set by organisations like the EPA to ensure the treated water meets the required standards.

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