Well
water iron treatment, Drinking Water Treatment - Potassium Permanganate
Its an age old method
to use potassium permanganate(1% solution) in the well water and then pass it
through slow sand filter. It removes Iron from well water.
potassium
permanganate(1% solution) is effective
against: dissolved iron, manganese and hydrogen sulfide.
. Potassium permanganate is a
point-of-entry treatment method that oxidizes dissolved iron, manganese, and
hydrogen sulfide into solid particles that are filtered out of the water. It
can also be used to control iron bacteria growth in wells.
Potassium permanganate is available as a dry, purplish solid. A
device injects a solution of potassium permanganate into the water between the
water pump and holding tank.
Potassium permanganate oxidizes iron, manganese, and hydrogen
sulfide into particles. The particles are then filtered with a multimedia
filter which can be either manganese-coated aluminum silicate above
manganese-treated green sand or an 8-inch layer of anthracite above
manganese-treated greensand. If an insufficient amount of iron, manganese, or
hydrogen sulfide is oxidized prior to filtration, the manganese coating on the
filter media acts as a backup oxidant to treat any remaining contaminant. If
too much potassium permanganate is fed into the water prior to filtration, the
excess potassium permanganate serves as a regenerant for the filter media. The
water should be colorless when it leaves the filter.
When treating water to remove iron bacteria, a
solution of potassium permanganate is fed into the well. A concentration of 3.8
to 7.6 grams per gallon has been found to be very effective. After the solution
is added in the well, continuous agitation will help loosen and disintegrate
sediment and organic material produced by the bacteria, thus enhancing
treatment effectiveness. Agitation can be accomplished by turning the well on
and off, which brings water up through the well casing and then lets it fall
back into the well.
Potassium permanganate is poisonous and
irritates skin, so handle it carefully and ensure that there is no excess
potassium permanganate in the treated water. The chemical gives water a slight
pink tint. Water should be colorless after treatment.
Adapted from: Wagenet,L., K. Mancl, and M.
Sailus. (1995). Home Water Treatment. Northeast Regional Agricultural
Engineering Service, Cooperative Extension. NRAES-48. Ithaca, NY.
