Purifying Polluted Water: A Step-By-Step Guide

Polluted water is a common issue in the game Oxygen Not Included, and it can cause a host of problems for players. Not only is it a breeding ground for bacteria, but it can also make your in-game characters, known as Duplicants, sick and it can contaminate clean water sources. While it may be tempting to dump polluted water or simply ignore it, there are several strategies players can employ to manage and even benefit from it. From purifying the water through sieves or fish, to using it for cooling or as a fertiliser, this guide will explore the best ways to deal with polluted water and prevent it from causing issues in your game.

Using a water sieve to clean polluted water

Firstly, it is essential to recognise that a water sieve does not remove germs from the water. The process changes the element of polluted water into clean water, but germs are separate entities that can exist in water. Therefore, if the water is contaminated with harmful bacteria, such as Slimelung, and is used for food preparation, it can cause food poisoning.

To use a water sieve effectively, it is recommended to have a third tank for recently sieved water to be decontaminated. The water in this tank should be heated, as germs multiply in polluted water but die off in clean, hot water. However, heating water is energy-intensive, and you will need to cool it down before use. Alternatively, you can create a chlorine room by placing bleach stone in a vacuumed room, which will fill it with chlorine gas, effectively killing germs.

Another consideration is the intake of the water sieve. A water sieve requires polluted dirt and water to function. If it runs out of polluted dirt, it will stop receiving liquid from its intake pipe. Additionally, the water sieve does not change the temperature of the water, so if the input water is hot, you may want to use insulated pipes to control the heat.

It is also important to separate the water supply for drinking and food preparation from other uses. This is because the water sieve will not be damaged by polluted water, and simply passing contaminated water through will not affect its temperature. As a result, you should avoid filtering your primary water supply through the same sieve used for wastewater, as germs can proliferate and spread to future filtered water.

In conclusion, while a water sieve is a valuable tool for cleaning polluted water, it is essential to understand its limitations regarding germ removal. By employing additional techniques, such as decontamination tanks and chlorine rooms, you can effectively clean and sanitise polluted water for various applications.

Storing polluted water in bottles

Firstly, it is important to understand that simply storing polluted water is not a long-term solution. The water needs to be dealt with appropriately to prevent contamination and potential health hazards. If you have a water sieve, you can consider pumping the polluted water through the sieve to clean it. However, this requires piping, which may not be feasible if you are dealing with bottled water.

To address the issue, you can start by building a bottle emptier. This device will allow you to empty the polluted water from the bottles into a designated pit or basin. Make sure to set the bottle emptier to only allow polluted water, so your clean water remains separate. Once the bottles are empty, you can dispose of them properly, and the polluted water can be dealt with more easily.

After emptying the bottles, you can choose to dig a small hole at a safe distance from your base and dump the polluted water there. Alternatively, if you have access to a steam geyser, you can opt to find a clean water source instead of treating the polluted water. This approach may be more efficient, as treating polluted water can be time-consuming and may require additional resources.

In the future, to avoid dealing with numerous polluted water bottles, consider using a plumbed washroom or washbasin. This will reduce the amount of polluted water generated and minimize the need for manual emptying and storage. Additionally, prioritize tidiness and proper waste management to prevent contamination in your shelter.

Using polluted water as a coolant

Firstly, it is important to understand that any liquid can be used as a coolant, but the main risk is that it will boil and burst your pipes. This is especially true for polluted water, as it may have a lower boiling point than clean water. To mitigate this risk, it is crucial to start with cool water and work in batches to prevent overheating.

Additionally, the composition of polluted water can vary, and it may contain toxins or contaminants that can affect its performance as a coolant. Some polluted water may turn into gas within a few uses, depending on the specific metals or materials it comes into contact with. This can be highly inefficient and may cause damage to your system.

When using polluted water as a coolant, it is essential to restrict its ability to infest your water systems and the air. Proper handling and containment are crucial to prevent contamination and potential health hazards. Bottling the polluted water and ensuring safe transportation and storage can be a good option if you don't have the means to purify it.

In certain situations, polluted water can offer some advantages as a coolant. For example, it has a higher specific heat capacity than clean water, allowing it to exchange more heat before requiring cooling or heating again. This makes it a better alternative in certain cases if you can achieve a complete heat exchange and reach equilibrium with the surroundings.

However, it's important to note that using polluted water as a coolant is generally not a sustainable long-term solution. It is more of a temporary fix or a way to utilize a nuisance resource until you can obtain a proper coolant. If you're considering using polluted water as a coolant, it's always a good idea to research the specific properties of the polluted water you have and the requirements of your cooling system to make an informed decision. Using a proper coolant is generally recommended when possible.

Using polluted water to grow plants

Water pollution can have severe effects on plants, animals, and ecosystems. The consequences depend on the type of pollutants in the environment. For instance, water pollution can cause an explosion of new plant growth by providing necessary nutrients and food. On the other hand, it can also harm or kill plants by changing growing conditions, such as by raising or lowering the environment's acidity. Plants absorb chemical pollutants through their roots, and this can lead to phytotoxicity, which is when toxic chemicals poison plants. Signs of phytotoxicity include poor growth, dying seedlings, and dead spots on leaves.

Wolffia globosa, also known as Asian watermeal or duckweed, is a flowering plant species that can grow in contaminated water. It is native to Asia and can be found in areas of the Americas. It forms mats on the surface of calm freshwater bodies such as ponds, lakes, and marshes. However, it is important to note that Wolffia is the only plant that is known to grow in contaminated water.

To ensure the healthy growth of plants, it is crucial to provide them with clean water and maintain a clean environment. Just as humans thrive in a clean and understanding work environment, plants flourish in similar conditions.

• Use rainwater harvesting in rain barrels, but be aware of potential pollution from bird or squirrel feces, and heavy metals such as lead and zinc in roof runoff.
• Clean rain barrels with bleach and water at least once a year, and add chlorine bleach to the rain bucket once a month.
• Purchase rain barrel water quality test kits, pumps, and filters to ensure the water is safe for your plants.
• Pay attention to the color and texture of your plant's leaves, and mist plants with brown or dry leaf tips to provide them with frequent hydration.

Converting polluted water into fertiliser

One method to convert polluted water into fertiliser is called air-stripping. This process removes ammonia by raising the temperature and pH of the water, converting the chemical into a gas, which can then be collected as ammonium sulfate. This method is being explored by several facilities in North America and Europe. While it may produce fertiliser in smaller amounts than industrial processes, it is still a valuable step towards sustainability and reducing water pollutants.

Another technique, known as the NPHarvest method, strips wastewater of essential fertiliser ingredients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium. These purified ingredients are then fit for agricultural use. This method saves time, money, and energy for treatment facilities and reduces eutrophication from nutrient leakage into waterways.

By creating fertiliser from sewage, we can promote a circular nutrient cycle, reducing the need for raw materials and simplifying the wastewater purification process. This approach can also provide a revenue stream for utilities and water treatment facilities, while also reducing their environmental footprint.

In addition to these methods, researchers have developed a novel wastewater treatment system that can remove conventional pollutants and recover valuable resources such as phosphorus and organic materials. This system further highlights the potential for converting polluted water into fertiliser, creating a more sustainable future for agriculture and water management.

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