How to Use Magnets to Purify Water

Magnets can be used to perform a myriad of tasks, ranging from minimal to monumental. One educational way to employ a magnet to use it to purify water that has been contaminated with a surfactant, which is a material that can lower the surface tension in water. The magnet attracts the surfactant by drawing a solution of microscopic particles of magnets called ferrofluid through the water. The magnetic particles adhere to the surfactant and bring all of the contamination to one location near the magnet. You can adjust the amounts of sizes of the materials used to accommodate your specific needs.

Things You'll Need

• 8-ounce glass jar
• 1-ounce surfactant
• Eyedropper
• Ferrofluid
• Large magnet

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Instructions

• 1

  Fill an 8-ounce glass jar with water. Add 1 ounce of surfactant to the jar.

• 2

  Fill an eyedropper with ferrofluid. Release five drops into the glass jar. The ferrofluid will sink to the bottom of the jar.

• 3

  Screw the lid on the jar and shake it vigorously. Ensure the contents of the jar are mixed well.

• 4

  Set the jar on a table. Place a large magnet next to it. The magnet should be three inches away from the jar.

• 5

  Unscrew the lid from the jar. Remove the surfactant and the ferrofluid that collected against the wall of the jar with a spoon.

• 6

  Move the magnet closer to the jar if the ferrofluid and surfactant don’t collect on the jar. You can push the magnet right against the jar if necessary.