The Science of Ionization and Mineral Separation
Water ionization uses electrolysis to separate mineral ions. A water ionizer utilizes charged plates and a membrane to divide water into two streams: alkaline ionized water with concentrated beneficial minerals (like calcium and magnesium) attracted to the negative electrode, and acidic ionized water containing negatively charged ions.
Where Do the Minerals in Ionized Water Come From?
The minerals in ionized water come from the original source water, such as tap or well water. Pure water, like distilled water, lacks the necessary minerals for ionization to occur. Therefore, the result is often termed "alkaline ionized mineral water". The source water's mineral richness significantly impacts the quality of the ionized water.
The Role of Minerals in Ionization
Minerals are crucial for the electrical conductivity needed for effective electrolysis in water ionization. Without sufficient minerals, the ionizer cannot properly separate ions to create distinct alkaline and acidic water streams.
How Source Water Affects Mineral Content
The mineral content of the source water directly affects the resulting ionized water. Hard water, rich in calcium and magnesium, is ideal but can cause buildup. Soft water may not have enough minerals for optimal ionization. Reverse osmosis water, which removes most minerals, requires remineralization before ionization. Filtered tap water's effectiveness depends on its original mineral content.
Comparison Table: Natural vs. Ionized Water Minerals
| Feature | Natural Alkaline Mineral Water | Ionized Mineral Water (from an ionizer) |
|---|---|---|
| Source of Minerals | Naturally occurring, picked up from rocks as water flows through springs and underground. | Originates from the tap water or pre-filtered water used in the ionizer. |
| Mineral Composition | Contains a balanced mix of naturally occurring minerals specific to its geological source, including calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate. | Concentrates existing alkaline minerals from the source water, mainly calcium, magnesium, and potassium. |
| Alkalinity | Naturally alkaline due to mineral content. pH and mineral composition are often stable. | pH is artificially raised through electrolysis. Stability of pH and antioxidant potential can diminish over time. |
| Taste Profile | Can have a distinct mineral taste, depending on the source. | Often described as having a smoother, sweeter taste due to the separation process. |
| Equipment Required | No equipment needed; water is collected and bottled at the source. | Requires an electrical water ionizer machine for the electrolysis process. |
Key Minerals Found in Ionized Water
When mineral-rich tap water is used, the alkaline stream of ionized water is enriched with beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals are in an ionic form and are important for various bodily functions.
Conclusion
Ionized water does contain minerals, provided the source water is not mineral-free. The ionization process uses electrolysis to concentrate existing alkaline minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, increasing the water's pH. Pure water requires remineralization before ionization. The mineral content of your ionized water is directly linked to your original source water.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can pure, distilled water be ionized? No, pure water (like distilled or reverse osmosis water) cannot be effectively ionized because it lacks the necessary dissolved minerals for the electrolysis process to occur.
2. Is ionized water naturally alkaline? No, ionized water is not naturally alkaline. Its alkalinity is a result of the electrolysis process, which separates and concentrates the alkaline minerals already present in the source water.
3. Are minerals added to water during ionization? No, minerals are not added during the ionization process. The water ionizer only concentrates and separates the minerals that are already present in your tap water.
4. What are the main minerals found in alkaline ionized water? The main beneficial minerals found in alkaline ionized water are calcium, magnesium, and potassium, all of which are common in tap water.
5. Does an ionizer filter the water before ionizing it? Yes, most water ionizers filter the water first to remove contaminants like chlorine and heavy metals before the ionization process begins.
6. How do I get minerals into my ionized water if I use an RO system? If you use a reverse osmosis system, you will need to remineralize the water before sending it through the ionizer. This can be done using a remineralization cartridge or by adding mineral drops.
7. What is the difference between naturally alkaline and ionized alkaline water? Natural alkaline water gets its alkalinity from minerals picked up from its source, while ionized alkaline water achieves a higher pH through electrolysis, which concentrates the minerals from a separate source, like tap water.
