**Abstract**

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations aim to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all. One way to improve the quality of drinking water is by using a natural substance made up of environmental elements. Therefore, it was necessary to maintain the degree of alkalinity of the water, starting from 7 pH level. While previous studies have focused on raising the pH levels of water by adding alkaline compounds, recent research has suggested using baking soda, which has a pH of approximately 9. However, there are several unfavorable health effects associated with adding baking soda to water, including hypokalemia, hypochloremia, high blood salt levels, deterioration of kidney illness, deterioration of heart failure. In this study, a substance made from silica using the thermal fusion method has been developed by the authors. This substance raises the pH of water without the need for additional components, using a physical field of 80 cm. The outcomes of the study demonstrated the efficiency of this natural chemical in improving water quality. Using a natural silica physical field to raise the pH level of water is a safe and effective method without the need for additional components that can have unfavorable health effects. The results recommended that water at 7 degrees is completely pure distilled water suitable for drinking in normal ways and indicated that alkaline water with a pH between 8.5 and 10 degrees is beneficial for people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. Moreover, improving drinking water quality is essential for achieving the SDGs, specifically SDG 6, which aims to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all. By utilizing natural methods to improve water quality, we can work toward achieving a more sustainable and equitable future.

**Keywords:** SDGs, drinking water, pH, silica, biotechnology, water purification, Na2SiO3

## **1. Introduction**

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations are a set of 17 goals aimed at promoting sustainable development worldwide. One of the key goals of the SDGs is to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all [1]. Access to clean water and sanitation is a fundamental human right and is essential for human health and well-being. However, millions of people worldwide still lack access to clean water and sanitation facilities, which can lead to the spread of disease and other health problems [2].

To address this issue, the SDGs include a specific goal, SDG 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. This goal includes targets such as achieving universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water and sanitation facilities, improving water quality, and increasing water-use efficiency. Achieving SDG 6 requires a comprehensive approach that involves improving infrastructure and technology, promoting sustainable water management practices, and increasing awareness and education about the importance of clean water and sanitation [3].

Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in achieving SDG 6. Governments can invest in water infrastructure projects and implement policies to promote sustainable water management practices. Businesses can incorporate sustainable water management practices into their operations and products. Individuals can conserve water and support initiatives that promote clean water and sanitation for all [4].

Water with a pH of approximately 7 is considered neutral, whereas water with a pH level higher than 7 is considered alkaline, as shown in **Figure 1**. The ability of water to neutralize acids is referred to as its alkalinity [5]. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral and everything in between being either acidic or alkaline. While previous studies have focused on raising the pH levels of water by adding alkaline compounds, recent research has suggested using baking soda, which has a pH of approximately 9. However, there are several unfavorable health effects associated with adding baking soda to water, including hypokalemia, hypochloremia, high blood salt levels, deterioration of kidney illness, deterioration of heart failure, muscle weakness and spasm, and increased production of stomach acid [6]. Studies also determine that alkaline water reduces acid in the stomach, which helps kill pathogens and bacteria in the stomach. Moreover, an increase in alkalinity in the body may irritate

**Figure 1.** *Water pH scale.*

*Improving the Quality of Drinking Water by Raising the pH Levels Using a Natural Na2SiO3… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.112856*

the digestive capacity of the stomach, which leads to stomach-related health problems such as upset stomach, bloating, and acidity [6].

The authors of a recent study have developed a substance made from silica using the thermal fusion method, which can effectively raise the pH of water without requiring additional components. This natural chemical utilizes a physical field of 80 cm to achieve a pH level of 8.5 from 80 cm. The study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of this substance in both its solid and liquid forms, with the primary objective of raising the pH of water without causing any negative health effects.

#### **2. Literature review**

Water is a vital component of life, as it is necessary for the survival of human beings [7]. However, not all water is created equal, and the quality of drinking water can vary significantly depending on its source. One way to improve the quality of drinking water is by raising its pH levels using a natural silica physical field. Silica is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in rocks, sand, and soil [8]. It is also found in certain types of water, such as spring water and artesian well water. Silica has been found to have a positive effect on the pH levels of water when it is exposed to a natural silica physical field [9]. A natural silica physical field is created when water flows through layers of silica-rich rocks. The movement of water through these rocks creates a natural physical field that can raise the pH levels of water. This process is called silicification, and it is a natural way to improve the quality of drinking water.

When water has a low pH level, it can be corrosive and cause damage to pipes and plumbing fixtures. It can also cause a metallic taste in the water [10]. On the other hand, water with a high pH level can taste bitter and have a soapy feel [11]. By raising the pH levels of drinking water using a natural silica physical field, the water can have a more balanced and pleasant taste.

In addition to improving the taste of drinking water, raising its pH levels using a natural silica physical field can also have health benefits. Alkaline water has been found to have antioxidant properties that can help neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells and contribute to the development of chronic diseases. Drinking water with a high pH level has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body [12]. Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system, but chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Raising the pH levels of drinking water using a natural silica physical field can also improve the absorption of minerals in the body. When water has a low pH level, it can interfere with the absorption of essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Alkaline water, on the other hand, can help improve the absorption of these minerals, which are essential for bone health, muscle function, and overall health. In addition to its health benefits, raising the pH levels of drinking water using a natural silica physical field can also have environmental benefits [13]. Improving the quality of drinking water can reduce the need for bottled water, which can have a significant environmental impact. Bottled water production requires a lot of energy and resources, and plastic bottles can take hundreds of years to decompose [14].

Overall, raising the pH levels of drinking water using a natural silica physical field is a natural and effective way to improve the quality of drinking water. It can improve the taste and health benefits of the water, while also reducing the environmental

impact of bottled water. While more research is needed to fully understand the health benefits of alkaline water, the evidence suggests that it is a safe and effective way to improve the quality of drinking water.

#### **3. Materials and methods**

To improve the quality of drinking water by raising its pH levels using a natural silica physical field, a substance made from silica using the thermal fusion method was utilized. This substance was developed by the authors of a recent study and was tested in both its solid and liquid forms. To conduct the study, the pH levels of the water samples were measured using a pH meter before and after exposure to the natural silica physical field. The distance between the water samples and the natural silica physical field was also recorded. The study included both laboratory experiments and field tests. In the laboratory, water samples were placed in containers and exposed to the natural silica physical field for a set amount of time. In the field, the natural silica physical field was created by placing the water source near layers of silica-rich [6].

The main component of this experiment is Na2SiO3 as, a chemical compound composed of two sodium (Na) atoms, one silicon (Si) atom, and three oxygen (O) atoms. It is also known as sodium silicate. Sodium silicate solutions can be acidic, neutral, or alkaline, depending on the ratio of sodium oxide (Na2O) to silicon dioxide (SiO2) in the compound, as depicted in **Table 1**.

The composite material was extracted based on **Table 1**, as illustrated in **Figure 2**, which displays the chemical makeup of the active elements in silica.


#### **Table 1.**

*The properties of sodium silicate solutions Na2SiO3.*

**Figure 2.** *Sodium silicate structure.*

*Improving the Quality of Drinking Water by Raising the pH Levels Using a Natural Na2SiO3… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.112856*

**Figure 3.** *Sodium silicate in liquid form.*

**Figure 3** shows the compound in its liquid form that was used in the current research experiment.

### **4. Experiment**

The present research experiment was carried out in collaboration with the Drinking Water Authority in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt, as part of a cooperative agreement between the Nanotechnology Research Laboratory of HST Company and the Sharkia Drinking Water facility. The experiment spanned one month, during which samples were collected at regular intervals to verify and maintain the accuracy of the results. These samples were analyzed in a laboratory to measure the pH and physical characteristics of the water quality, ensuring its safety for human consumption.

#### **4.1 ASTM E70 standard test method**

After the natural silica physical field was created by passing water through layers of silica-rich rocks, the solution was examined for its ability to raise the pH value. The pH value was determined using the ASTM E70 standard test method, which was utilized to calibrate the instrument and measure the pH of the aqueous solution [15]. The ASTM E70 standard test method is a widely accepted and recognized protocol for measuring the pH of water and other aqueous solutions. The test was conducted under controlled conditions, with a temperature of 22°C and a humidity level of 73%. The standard test method involved using a pH meter to measure the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution [16]. The pH meter was calibrated using buffer solutions with known pH values before the measurements were taken. The pH meter was then used to measure the pH of the aqueous solution, and the results were recorded. By utilizing the ASTM E70 standard test method, the researchers were able to accurately

**Figure 4.** *The ASTM E70 standard test.*

measure the pH of the solution and verify its ability to increase the pH value of water to the desired level, as seen in **Figure 4**. The controlled test conditions ensured the accuracy and reliability of the results.
