Water Purification Technologies: Innovations and Challenges

Access to clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental human necessity, yet it remains a significant global challenge due to pollution, industrialization, and population growth. This paper examines traditional and emerging water purification technologies, analyzing their effectiveness, limitations, and impact on public health. Traditional methods such as boiling, chlorination, and filtration have been widely used, but they face challenges in removing emerging contaminants. Recent innovations, including membrane filtration, ultraviolet radiation, and advanced oxidation processes, show promise in enhancing water quality and sustainability. However, financial constraints, technological barriers, and energy inefficiency hinder large-scale implementation. Addressing these challenges requires continued research, policy reforms, and investment in scalable solutions to ensure global access to clean drinking water. Keywords: Water purification, drinking water, membrane filtration, chlorination, emerging contaminants, public health.