Many of us are unfamiliar with the fact that currently most of the natural water sources have exceeding quantities of arsenic. Consuming high levels of arsenic can be detrimental to health. Different technologies can be used to remove arsenic from the drinking water.
Given below are some of the treatment methods available to make your water arsenic-free and safe for drinking.
- Ion Exchange Processes
The ion exchange method is similar to activated alumina. The thing that distinguishes both processes is the use of synthetic resin, also known as a matrix in the ion-exchange process. Matrix is responsible for the separation of different substances and compounds present in the water into various groups.
The arsenic is gathered over the matrix and is then removed using the ion exchange process. Excessive oxidants have to be removed so that the ion exchange process takes place without any problem and synthetic resin doesn’t damage. With continuous usage, synthetic resin wears down and has to be replaced regularly.
- Reverse Osmosis
Reverse Osmosis Systems is another way that can be used within the home or a point of use water dispenser to get arsenic-free clean drinking water. It is a method that forces water to move across a semipermeable membrane with pressure which results in leaving impurities behind and pure water collecting at the other side of the membrane. It results in healthy drinking water.
- Coagulation Processes
Filtration and coagulation make use of a mixture of decomposed limestone and mineral salts to eliminate arsenic from water. The coagulation process converts the arsenic into an insoluble compound that is easy to remove. The insoluble compound thus formed is then subjected to metallic compounds with the help of co-precipitation, which results in the absorption of an insoluble compound by the metallic compounds.
The coagulation process is a certified and tested method to remove arsenic from the drinking water. The bucket treatment unit is one of the methods coagulation is employed in water treatment techniques. This method involves 2 buckets to treat manually and filter the water into 2 big buckets.
- Oxidation Processes
One of the most functional and useful methods to remove arsenic from drinking water is oxidation. Many arsenic removal systems include oxidation steps in the removal procedure as it converts arsenic into arsenate. When it converts to arsenate, the removal becomes easier as it is an insoluble compound.
The arsenic removal treatment setup generally performs the oxidation step by adding oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, permanganate, and hypochlorite into the water. Some techniques make use of the passive sedimentation process which involves exposure of water to the oxygen present in the air to get rid of arsenic in the water.
- Sorptive Filtration Processes
This process uses different kinds of media to eliminate arsenic from the water. Activated alumina is among these media that use alumina grains to extract arsenic from a big water surface area. The area of water is classified into many columns. When the top area of the column has been saturated, the remaining part becomes saturated due to the downward flow of water and removes all contaminants from it.
Granular ferric hydroxide works the same as filters and helps absorb contaminants including arsenic from water when it moves over them. But if the quantity of iron is high in the water, the filters are likely to clog.
These are some of the methods that can be used to remove dangerous arsenic from drinking water. Clean and healthy drinking water is necessary for health and these methods can help you get safe drinking water free of arsenic.
