ARSENIC REMOVAL

 

"I think laughter is very imperative. And that's the important part of my life, of making people laugh so they can forget their problems. A good laugh is better than anything."

 

By Marianne R. Metzger

From the August 2004 edition of Water Technology magazine. For a free introductory subscription, click here.

Arsenic, the twentieth most abundant element in the Earth’s crust and a major constituent in several igneous and sedimentary rocks, is released into the environment from a variety of natural and industrial sources. On October 31, 2001 the EPA announced its decision to implement the new standard for arsenic in drinking water at a level of 10 parts per billion from the original level of 50 ppb. Activated alumina has been evaluated as an effective water treatment for arsenic removal. Activated alumina is a granulated form of aluminum oxide, which is typically encased in a cartridge for smaller applications or a bed for larger applications. The raw water is passed through the bed or cartridge where the arsenic is absorbed by the alumina. Removal rates can be sensitive to varying pH levels, so additional equipment may be required to control pH levels. A higher pH level will reduce the capacity of arsenic removal (the optimum pH level is between 5.5 and 6.0). Marianne R. Metzger is technical support and accounts manager with National Testing Laboratories, Ltd. (NTL), Cleveland.

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