Patent ID: 6821427
Filing Date: 2004-11-23
Classification: C02F

Abstract:
A method for reducing the amount of contaminants in water, said method comprising the steps of:(a) at least partially immersing a purification device in running water, wherein (1) the purification device comprises a water-soluble flocculant disposed within a body defining a multiplicity of pores, wherein the pores have an average diameter in the range of from 1 &mgr;m to 2000 &mgr;m, the body comprising a body wall defining an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the body wall is divided into segments, and the water-soluble flocculant is disposed within a lumen of each segment; (2) the water comprises a contaminant; (3) the purification device is at least partially immersed in the running water under conditions whereby at least a portion of the flocculant is dissolved in the water and binds to at least some of the contaminant to form water-insoluble complexes; and (b) removing at least some of the water-insoluble complexes from the water.