arsenic removal

WHAT IS ARSENIC CONTAMINATION?

Arsenic is a natural occurring element found in soils and groundwater. According to geographic location, concentrations may vary. It’s highly toxic when found in it’s inorganic state and in high concentrations. This element has two forms, or valences (in a natural setting depending on the amount of oxygen available in groundwater):

  • Arsenate (As (V)) – usually in more shallow aquifers with higher levels of oxygen.
  • Arsenite (As (III)) – usually in deeper, anaerobic ground waters. 

In the pH range of 4 to 10, the predominant As (III) compound is neutral in charge, while As (V) is negatively charged.

According to the World Health Organization, long term exposure to arsenic (through drinking contaminated water) can lead to skin lesions, skin cancer or other effects.

WHAT IS ARSENIC REMOVAL?

When arsenic levels are too high, it may be necessary to treat the water to remove it.

Because of As (V)’s negative charge, removal efficiency is greater than that of As (III). In many cases, oxidation of As (III) to convert it to As (V) may be necessary to efficiently remove arsenic from drinking water.

To guarantee high efficiency in filtration, the process starts with Oxidation.  Then, Coagulation takes place to group the Arsenic particles. Consequently forcing them through an Ion Exchange filter.

Additionally, Membrane Technologies can be used to eliminate Arsenic. This is done using low pressure membranes, such as micro-filtration, or high pressure, for example Reverse Osmosis.

 

HOW TO KNOW IF THE WATER IS CONTAMINATED?

Since every water source is unique, we strongly recommend performing a complete water analysis to properly size the arsenic removal solution. These are the basic parameters to know in order to properly size the solution.

OUR SOLUTION

Typically we recommend the following steps:

The ADVANCEES system for arsenic removal is shown (see flowchart below). However, this flowchart varies based on raw water quality and the customer’s requirement. Many options are possible, the best solution accommodating the minimum life cycle cost, such as low operating cost, low maintenance and, easy to operate and monitor.

THE BEST ARSENIC REMOVAL PROCESS

Because it poses serious threats to both human health and the environment, arsenic pollution in water sources is an urgent global issue. Natural elements like arsenic can leak into groundwater from geological formations, raising the level of arsenic in drinking water.

Over time, skin sores, malignancies of the skin, bladder, and lungs, cardiovascular illnesses, and neurological abnormalities can all be brought on by prolonged exposure to arsenic-contaminated water. The amount and length of arsenic exposure determine how harmful the impacts are to health.

To create flocs, which hold onto arsenic particles and aid in their sedimentation, chemicals like alum or ferric chloride are added to water. Arsenic particles in water can be physically filtered out using iron-based media, activated alumina, or media filtration.

New developments in water treatment have paved the way for the creation of more effective methods for removing arsenic. By use of surface interactions, adsorbent materials such as iron oxide or activated carbon are utilized to extract arsenic ions from water. With the use of ion exchange resins, arsenic ions in water are selectively removed and replaced with less toxic ions such as sulfate or chloride. Only pure water molecules can flow through reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membranes because they physically block arsenic particles. Chlorine and potassium permanganate are examples of oxidizing agents that can change arsenic into a less harmful form, making it easier to remove through precipitation or filtration.

In environments with limited resources, the implementation and upkeep of certain sophisticated arsenic removal techniques can be costly. To guarantee the continuous operation of arsenic removal systems and avoid operational failures, routine maintenance and monitoring are crucial. Certain methods of removing arsenic from the environment, including membrane filtration, need large energy inputs, which raises operating costs and has an adverse effect on the environment.

The efficacy of removing arsenic is improved by nano-sized adsorbents because they have more surface area and reactivity. Off-grid populations have an environmentally benign and renewable answer in the form of solar-powered arsenic removal equipment. Biological treatment methods use microorganisms’ ability to break down and extract arsenic from water, providing a sustainable and natural solution.

Water supplies all throughout the world are contaminated with arsenic, with Bangladesh, India, China, and portions of Latin America having the highest quantities. In affected communities, governments, non-governmental organizations, and research centers are attempting to increase access to clean drinking water and use methods for removing arsenic.

Effective arsenic removal solutions are necessary because arsenic contamination poses serious risks to public health and water quality. Even while both conventional and cutting-edge technology provide workable answers, continued innovation and teamwork are crucial to addressing the difficulties of arsenic contamination and guaranteeing that everyone has access to clean drinking water.

Even though arsenic removal technologies can drastically lower waterborne arsenic levels, issues like water chemistry and treatment efficiency may make full removal difficult.

To guarantee peak performance and adherence to legal requirements, arsenic removal systems should be routinely inspected and serviced in accordance with manufacturer instructions.

There is little risk to health when arsenic removal systems are properly built and maintained. On the other hand, incorrect maintenance or operation may result in chemical exposure or system malfunctions.

The taste and odor of water are usually not markedly changed by arsenic removal procedures. A small metallic taste or odor may be introduced by some treatment procedures, although this can be minimized by using appropriate system design and operation.

For the purpose of preserving public health, many nations have set regulatory limits on the amount of arsenic in drinking water. National guidelines and suggestions from international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) influence these standards, which differ from one another.

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