Magnetic field generation in the water treatment perspectives: An overview

In the last few decades, many researches on the effects of magnetic field (MF) on water have been reported; however, still many arguments and doubts are present.This review aims to focus on the basic properties implied in magnetic phenomena generation at the atomic and electronic level of matter.Fundamentals of magnetism and origin of magnetic effect will be discussed.Both paramagnetism and diamagnetism are very crucial in the examination of atomic and molecular structure; however, these effects are very weak and have no real practical importance.Large scale magnetic effects resulting in commercially important materials appear in atoms and ions of only a few metallic elements notably Fe, Co, Ni, and some of the rare earths.In alloys or oxides of some materials containing these elements and some neighboring ions such as Mn, there is a crucial improvement of the atomic spin effect.This enhancement comes about from the cooperative interaction of large numbers (10 13 -10 14 ) of these atomic spins producing a region where all atomic spins within it are aligned parallel (positive exchange interaction).These materials are called ferromagnetic.In spite of the achieved performances on MF technologies, there is a huge work to be performed for better understanding and controlling of magnetic water treatment.