Monday 28 May 2018

Types of Home Water Filtration/ Purifier System


Understanding your contaminants and what you need at home.

Contaminants which may be found in your residential water supply :
  • Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs) such as pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceutical products, MTBE (methyl tertiary-butyl ether) and other chemicals. Research links certain VOCs to damage in the reproductive system, liver, kidneys and more.
  • Heavy Metals - most commonly associated with poisoning of humans are mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), Boron and lead (Pb) 
  • Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals are chemicals that may mimic or interfere with the normal hormones in the body and these chemicals are being found in increasing amounts in the water supply.
  • Additives (Chlorine, Chloramines, Fluoride). Fluoride is added to the water for oral health. Fluoride has been linked to thyroid problems and other disorders when consumed internally.
  • Rust, sand and decaying matter accumulates in aging water supply system ducts and pipes.
  • Microbes; Cyst, Bacteria (eg: E.Coli) and viruses (Chlorine resistant Giardia, Cryptosporidium, etc.) and others
  • Radioactive substances (Radon and Uranium, etc.)
  • Selenium, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), copper, trihalomethane (TTHM), aluminium, asbestos and others
Minerals which are beneficial for health: calcium, magnesium and potassium

The water has been treated and is safe for consumption according to SYABAS. Installing water filters at home can further reduce the contaminants in your drinking water. Filtering system manufacturers may test their own products, but a water filter isn't certified to remove contaminants unless it has been tested by an independent organization like NSF International or the Water Quality Association. Both have databases that consumers can easily search to learn more about the reliability of specific models. WQA Product Certification Areas.

Installing water filters after the water meter outside the house is not advisable by SYABAS. The use of water filters with very small pore size as in the case of ceramic filters / activated carbon filters can reduce the Free Residual Chlorine (FRC) content in treated water and also reduce the pressure of the water flowing into their house. When the water enters the tank and is stagnant, this can promote the growth of bacteria in the water, leading to skin irritation, etc. It is best to install them at the kitchen sink. Those who have already invested in water filters must carry out proper maintenance/ backwashing periodically as recommended by the manufacturer/ supplier to ensure the safety and quality of the water.

Type of contaminants Reduction Effectiveness with different water purification methods

1. Activated Carbon (AC) Filters
Activated carbon works via a process called chemical adsorption, whereby pollutant molecules in the fluid to be treated are trapped inside the pore structure of the carbon substrate. Active charcoal carbon filters are most effective at removing chlorine, sediment, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), taste and odor from water. They are not effective at removing minerals, salts, and dissolved inorganic compounds. Typical particle sizes that can be removed by carbon filters range from 0.5 to 50 micrometres (micron). In general, carbon block (compared to granular) filters are more effective at removing a larger number of contaminants, based upon the increased surface area of carbon.

Bacteria (mostly Non-pathogenic which cannot cause disease) can build up inside the active carbon filter. It is still recommended to replace or clean the filter at required time. Methods to kill or inactivate viruses, bacteria, protozoa and other pathogens: Boil the water, UV treatment, Chlorine.

Heavy metals are removed only by a very specific type of AC filter. Unless the manufacturer states that its product will remove heavy metals, the consumer should assume that the AC filter is not effective in removing them.

Water filters with carbon technology: Most of the systems in the market use a combination of activated carbon filtration and other technologies.

2. Reverse Osmosis Filters
The semi-permeable membrane used in reverse osmosis contains tiny pores through which water can flow. The small pores of this membrane are restrictive to organic compounds such as salt and other natural minerals, which generally have a larger molecular composition than water.

Pros:
  • The membrane pores are restrictive to bacteria and disease-causing pathogens to avoid waterborne diseases. 
  • Can filter/ reduce 
  1. Radioactive substances like radium and uranium, 
  2. Heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, arsenic, chromium, and lead
  3. Microbes; virus and bacteria, etc. 
  4. Nitrate, fluoride 
Cons:
  • The membrane is not very effective in blocking VOCs. For this reason, a more effective carbon filter must be used as a complimentary measure to provide safe drinking water. Such chemicals are the major contaminants of drinking water after municipal treatment.
  • The removal of healthy, naturally occurring minerals in water.
  • It generally wastes two to three gallons of water for every gallon of purified water it produces.
  • Reverse osmosis is also an incredibly slow process when compared to other water treatment alternatives. 
  • The are some precautions on drinking RO water though:
    1) Don't fill RO water in plastic bottle because of leaching effect. It's best to fill RO water in glass or stainless steel bottle.
    2) It's not recommended to drink RO water immediately after exercise. Isotonic drinks like 100plus can replenish the salt lost through sweat.
    3) Maintain a healthy diet or take nutrient supplements if you're to drink RO water.
Water Filters with RO technology: Coway, Bio Pure Elken, Kent RO    

3. Nano Filtration System
Same as Reverse Osmosis (RO) in removing impurities from water. Membranes are used to prevent contaminants from passing through. The difference is Nano allows beneficial minerals to pass but RO doesn't. Monovalent ions, the examples being chloride, sodium and other minerals, have no problems passing through the nano membrane, while divalent ions and the larger ions are removed.
Water Filters with RO technology: Cuckoo


4. Distilled Water System
Water distillers are the only water system that most completely and consistently removes the widest variety of contaminants. Instead of filtering the contaminants, a water distiller removes the water, leaving the impurities behind. One way to polish the water and improve the taste is to use a carbon postfilter which will add good minerals back into the water, which will restore the clean, pure taste. Relatively unpopular as a drinking water purifier.

Pro:
  • Removes the widest variety of contaminants.
  • Using distilled water in appliances (like espresso maker, humidifier, medical equipment) will reduce scale and mineral build-up. It will also discourage bacteria growth. 
Cons:
  • Removes healthy, naturally occurring minerals in water which are required to maintain good health. 
  • Makes the water tasteless.
  • Slow process

Ref: freshwatersystems.com
https://www.freshwatersystems.com/t-steamwaterdistiller.aspx

Friday 25 May 2018

Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, NSW Australia


From Paddington Markets we took a bus (333) to Bondi Beach which is located approximately 7km from Sydney CBD. Here people are seen surfing, sun bathing on the beach and relaxing on the rocks.

The Bondi-Bronte coastal walk stretches 3km which can be done in 1 hour. On the way there were cliffs, amazing beaches and views, parks, toilets, drinking water fountain and plenty of photo opportunities. Restaurants and cafes can be found in Bondi and Bronte.

Tap on the Opal card when you get on the bus and tap off when you alight.


There's a sign which says Dangerous Currents and No swimming is allowed.


The famous Bondi Baths have been an historical landmark of Bondi Beach for over 100 years. Featuring both a larger lap pool and smaller kid’s pool, qualified lifeguards are on patrol during opening hours all year round. The pool and clubhouse are open to both members and the public. | Website: https://icebergs.com.au
Pretty cool swimming in a pool beside the seawater. We could see the waves crossing over into the pool.


Bondi Icebergs (Bondi Baths), a public saltwater pool, the landmark of Bondi.


Beautiful work of art by nature, sand rock formations

The scenic Bondi-Bronte Coastal Walk

Started the Bondi to Bronte walk and we came to this section where the wind was extremely strong. The force made it so hard to move forward. While the breeze was nice, the sand really gets to me. The worst part was Bernard lost his glasses. Not knowing when they went missing, we figured it would be extremely difficult to find them so we just moved on. Check out the video below:


Tamarama Beach


Events in Bondi:
  • City to Surf Fun Run - City-2-Surf is a popular road running event held annually, usually in August.
  • Sculpture by the Sea -  Australia's largest annual outdoor sculpture exhibition. It is held in October-November.
  • The Festival of the Winds - This Kite Flying Festival is held on Bondi Beach every September.
Website: https://www.bondivillage.com
Add: 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia
How to go: Take the train to Bondi Junction Station. Change to Bus: 380, 381, 382 or 333 to the beach (about 15 minutes)

Thursday 24 May 2018

List of The Best Food in Klang Valley


Here's my list. What's yours?

Klang Valley

Mee Goreng Mamak from Teh Tarik Place, Chili Pan Mee from Jojo Little Kitchen, Guacamole and chips from Fuego

  • Banana Leaf Rice - Kanna Curry House, Section 17, PJ
  • Big Breakfast (toast, mushroom, egg, meat (sausage/ bacon), beans, hash brown, grilled tomato, salad) - Antipodean Cafe | antipodeancoffee.com | Bangsar, Mid Valley, Publika, Atria, etc. 
  • Char Koay Teow - Hutong Food Court, Lot 10, Bukit Bintang. Variety: fried with chicken or duck egg. Fried flat rice noodles with dark source, bean sprouts, egg sometimes 'lap cheong' (waxed meat)
  • Chilli Pan Mee (yellow noodles with minced meat, ikan bilis, poached egg (runny yolk), chilli mix) - 1. Madam Chiam Curry Noodle House, Taman Connaught. 2. Jojo Little Kitchen | branches in Sri Petaling, Hartamas, Damansara Uptown, Mahkota Cheras, etc.
  • Claypot Lou Shu Fan (semi-transparent noodles with thick sauce, salted fish) - Pat Kin Pat Sun | pkpscafe.com | branches in IOI City Mall, Bandar Damai Perdana Cheras,  Setia City Mall, Pearl International Hotel, Klang Parade, Sri Petaling, etc.
  • Curry (Chicken curry and roti canai & dhall) -  Restoran Sri Indah, Taman Sungai Besi Indah, Seri Kembangan
  • Curry puff - 1A Crispy Puffs, Bukit Bintang Monorail (bridge). Chunky filling with egg. There are meat or vege options. 
  • Dry Loh Shu Fun - Restoran Yi Poh (originally from Seremban, now there are branches in PJ Old Town, Sri Petaling) - semi-translucent thick noodles, minced meat, char siew and chili mix. 
  • Fajitas (Mexican) - Chili's Grill & Bar | chilis.com.my | Midvalley, Velocity Mall Cheras, KLCC, etc. grilled meat served with tortilla, sour cream, guacamole
  • Fish Head Noodle -  Woo Pin Fish Head Noodles | Main outlet in Taman Danau Desa, KL. Other branches in C180 Cheras, Sri Petaling, etc.
  • Indian Vegetarian food - Annalakshmi Temple of Fine Arts, Brickfields, KL | annalakshmi.com.my
  • Green Curry - 1. Fa Ying Thai Fare & Cafe | Paradigm Mall. 2. Thai Hou Sek
  • Guacamole (Mexican) - Fuego @ Troika Sky Dining, KL
  • Hokkien Mee - Kim Lian Kee | fb.com/KimLianKee | Petaling Street
  • Mee Goreng Mamak - Teh Tarik Place | tehtarikplace.my | 1 Utama, IOI City Mall, Bangi Gateway, The Curve, Nu Sentral, Sunway Putra Mall, MyTown, etc. 
  • Pork Ribs - El Cerdo | Changkat, Bukit Bintang | elcerdokl.com 
  • Salad - Pesto Mozzarella Salad (sundried tomato, salad leaves, roasted vege, pesto dressing) - O'Briens Irish Sandwich Cafe | obriens.com.sg/malaysia | KLCC, Nu Sentral, etc.
  • Salted Caramel (and Chocolate) cake - Le' Gardenz Cafe | Kawasan Perindustrian Balakong
  • Satay - 1. Satay Station | Ampang Waterfront - Beef satay is very chunky and juicy 2. Sate Kajang Haji Samuri | satekajang.com.my - soft and flavorful
  • Seafood Spaghetti (tossed in lobster cream) - El Cerdo | Changkat, Bukit Bintang | elcerdokl.com
  • Steak - Prime, Le Meridien KL Sentral.
  • Tapas (Spanish dishes in small portion) - La Bodega | labodega.gastrodome.com.my | Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar and other branches. My favorites: Champinones (mushroom) or Gambas (prawn) Al Ajillo sauteed with garlic
  • Tuna Sandwich - Subway  
Seremban, NS
  • Banana Leaf Rice - 1. Curry Leaf Restaurant @ Jalan Rasah. 2. Top Curry House, Jalan Dato Bandar Tunggal
  • Beef Noodle - Seremban Market (Pasar Besar Seremban)
  • Cendol - Haji Shariff Cendol, Jalan Yam Tuan 
  • Chicken Rice - Chai Hong Chicken Rice (also known as Diamond Chicken Rice for its shopping mall priced hawker food) | Jalan Kapitan Tam Yeong | great combination of the sauce, chilli, rice and smooth chicken.
  • Chinese Vegetarian food - Red Tea Garden, Jalan Rasah
  • Dry Loh Shu Fun - Yi Poh (Lobak) - semi-translucent thick noodles, minced meat, char siew and chili mix. 
  • Hakka Mee - Tow Kee Hakka Mee | Jalan Kapitan Tam Yeong and Pasar Besar Seremban
  • Noodles - Hong Kong Noodles, Lobak
  • Porridge - Kedai Makanan Dan Minuman Kawan, Jalan Temiang. The most popular one in Seremban, famous for its "Chu jap chuk" (pork intestine porridge). Juicy steamed chicken, below average service. 
  • Wan Tan Mee | Keong Kee Recipe, Jalan Seng Meng Lee
  • Yong Tau Foo - Sam Kan Chong, Limbuk, Temiang, Seremban (same row as Pence Food court). finishes by 9,10 am in the morning, meaty flavorful filling