Shortage of CO₂ leading to shortage of water purification.

in biofuel •  5 years ago 

As the oil prices crashed, ethanol-producing (biofuel) plants stopped production. One by-product of those processes was a huge amount of captured CO₂, and as a result there is a now an emerging shortage of CO₂ gas.

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https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/20/carbon-dioxide-shortage-us-food-water-coronavirus

CO₂ is, of course, used in the production of many beverages, but it's also often used in water purification processes, ensuring that water from reservoirs is potable before distribution.

As SARS-CoV-2 viral particles linger in sewage, and there is a small chance of backflow or cross-contamination without treatment, it might be an idea to keep some water purification tablets in your pantry.

You can always filter the chlorine back out again via a Brita filter, to have your cake and drink it too.
Boiling is another option, but it may not reduce turbidity and settling of any sediment as much.

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