Can sunlight disinfect contaminated water

Answer 1

When radiant energy strikes the surface of an object, a proportion (depending upon the angle of incidence and the nature of the surface) is reflected, part is absorbed and part may be transmitted through the object. With a few important exceptions, such as photovoltaic cells, the energy of the absorbed radiation is degraded rapidly to heat.

The balance between the absorbed input energy and the heat loss to the environment determines the temperature attained. The heat loss increases with the temperature and limits the ultimate temperature attained by a collector system. It also reduces the proportion of useful heat extractable from the system. Maximum temperatures and maximum useful power outputs are therefore obtained when a highly absorbent, well-insulated body is exposed to a high intensity of solar radiation. A wide range of systems, designed to meet a variety of needs and situations, have been developed and many are available commercially.

The best known solar heating device is the flat-plate collector, which is widely used for water heating in many parts of the world. The flat-plate collector absorbs as much as possible of the incident solar energy that falls upon it. Since the collector is normally fixed in position, the plate is close to perpendicular to the beam of sunlight (and therefore maximum absorption) for only part of the time, and the level of energy received therefore varies more strongly with time and season than does the actual intensity of the solar radiation. Because of the large areas over which heat can be lost, the retention of heat and hence the collection efficiency, falls off rapidly with increase in collection temperature. Since domestic water is normally needed at only about 50oC this is not normally a problem

Answer 2

Yes through evaporation and collecting the water that evaporates.

Answer 3

No, it is too hot for atoms to exist as even gaseous matter, much less form chemical bonds between each other.

Answer 4

to purify water using solar energy, u use evaporation and condensation and solar panels.

Answer 5

No