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Water Contaminants
Below you will find many contaminants that can be found in water. The treatment comments are not always a good idea for homeowner level water filtration systems. Some of them are only used at the commercial or industrial level. We show you the contaminant (Source). And then we show the potential treatment.
Source- Acidic waters usually attain their acidity from the seepage of acid mine waters, or acidic industrial wastes. Acid mine waters are frequently too low in pH to provide suitable drinking water even after neutralization and treatment. Acid water contaminants MUST be corrected or will cause problems around the home. Often these water contaminants cause really expensive problems.
Treatment- Acidic water can be corrected by injecting soda ash or caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) into the water supply to raise the pH. Utilization of these two chemicals slightly increases the alkalinity in direct proportion to the amount used. Acidic water can also be neutralized up to a point by running it through calcite, corosex or a combination of the two. The calcite and the corosex both dissolve to neutralize the water; therefore, they both need to be replenished on a periodic basis.
Source-Aluminum (A1+3) is an abundant metal in the Earth’s surface, but its solubility in water is so low that it is seldom a concern in municipal or industrial water systems. The majority of natural water contains from 0.1 ppm up to 9.0 ppm of Aluminum, however the primary source of Aluminum in drinking water comes from the use of aluminum sulfate (alum) as a coagulant in water treatment plants. The total dietary exposure to aluminum salts averages around 20 mg/day. Aluminum is on the US EPA’s Secondary Drinking Water Standards list with suggested levels of 0.05 – 0.2 mg/l; dependent on case-by-case circumstances.
Treatment- Aluminum can be removed from water by a cation exchanger but hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid must be used for regeneration to remove the aluminum from the resin. While this is suitable for an industrial application it is not recommended for domestic use unless it is in the form of a cation exchange tank. Reverse Osmosis will reduce the aluminum content of drinking water by 98 + %. Distillation will reduce the aluminum content of water by 99 + %. Electrodialysis is also very effective in the reduction of aluminum.
Water Contaminants Continued
Source- Ammonia (NH3) gas, usually expressed as Nitrogen, is extremely soluble in water. It is natural product of decay of organic nitrogen compounds. Ammonia finds its way to surface supplies from the runoff in agricultural areas where it is applied as fertilizer. It can be also find its way to underground aquifers from animal feed lots. Ammonia is oxidized to nitrate by bacterial action. A concentration of 0.1 to 1.0 ppm is typically found in most surface water supplies, and is expressed as N. Ammonia is not usually found in well water supplies because the bacteria in the soil converts it nitrates. The concentration of Ammonia is not restricted by drinking water standards. Since Ammonia is corrosive to copper alloys it is a concern in cooling systems and in boiler feed.
Treatment- Ammonia can be destroyed chemically by chlorination. The initial reaction forms chloramines, and must be completely broken down before there is a chlorine residual. Organic contaminants in the waste stream will be destroyed by chlorine before it will react with the ammonia. Ammonia can also be removed by cation exchange resin in the hydrogen form, which is the utilization of acid as a regenerant. Degasification will also remove Ammonia.
Source- Arsenic (As) is not easily dissolved in water, therefore, if it is found in a water supply, it usually comes from mining or metallurgical operations or from runoff from agricultural areas where materials containing arsenic were used as industrial poisons. Arsenic and phosphate easily substitute for one another chemically therefore commercial grade phosphate can have some arsenic in it. Arsenic is highly toxic and has been classified by the US EPA as a carcinogen. The current MCL for arsenic is 0.05 mg/l, which was derived from toxicity considerations rather than carcinogenicity.
Treatment- In an inorganic form, Arsenic can be removed or reduced by conventional water treatment processes. There are five ways to remove inorganic contaminants; reverse osmosis, activated alumina, ion exchange, activated carbon, and distillation. Filtration through activated carbon will reduce the amount of arsenic in drinking water from 40 – 70%. Anion exchange can reduce it by 90 – 100%. Reverse Osmosis has a 90% removal rate, and distillation will remove 98%. If the arsenic is present in organic form, it can be removed by oxidation of the organic material and subsequent coagulation.
Water Contaminants Continued
Source- Bacteria are tiny organisms occurring naturally in water. Not all types of bacteria are harmful. Many organisms found in water are of no health concern since they do not cause disease. Biological contamination may be separated into two groups: (1) pathogenic (disease causing) and (2) non-pathogenic (not disease causing). Pathogenic bacteria cause illnesses such as typhoid fever, dysentery, gastroenteritis, infectious hepatitis, and cholera. All water supplies should be tested for biological content prior to use and consumption. E. Coli (Escherichia Coli) is the coliform bacterial organism, which is looked for when testing the water. This organism is found in the intestines and fecal matter of humans and animals. If E. Coli is found in a water supply along with high nitrate and chloride levels, it usually indicates that waste has contaminated the supply from a septic system or sewage dumping, and has entered by way of runoff, a fractured well casing, or broken lines. If coliform bacteria are present, it is an indication that disease- causing bacteria may also be present. Four or fewer colonies / 100 ml of coliforms, in the absence of high nitrates and chlorides, implies that surface water is entering the water system. If pathogenic bacteria are suspected, a sample of water should be submitted to the Board of Health or US EPA for bacteriological testing and recommendations. The most common non-pathogenic bacteria found in water are iron bacteria. Iron bacteria can be readily identified by the red, feathery floc, which forms overnight at the bottom of a sample bottle containing iron and iron bacteria.All water should be tested before use and consumption.
Treatment- Bacteria can be treated by micro filtration, reverse osmosis, ultra filtration, or chemical oxidation and disinfection. Ultraviolet sterilization will also kill bacteria; but turbidity, color, and organic impurities interfere with the transmission of ultraviolet energy and may decrease the disinfection efficiency below levels to insure destruction. Ultraviolet treatment also does not provide residual bactericidal action therefore periodic flushing and disinfection must be done. Ultraviolet sterilization is usually followed by 0.2 micron filtration when dealing with high purity water systems. The most common and undisputed method of bacteria destruction is chemical oxidation and disinfection. Ozone injection into a water supply is one form of chemical oxidation and disinfection. A residual of 0.4 mg/l must be established and a retention time of four minutes is required. Chlorine injection is the most widely recognized method of chemical oxidation and disinfection. Chlorine must be fed at 3 to 5 ppm to treat for bacteria and a residual of 0.4 ppm of free chlorine must be maintained for 30 minutes in order to meet US EPA standards. Reverse Osmosis will remove 99+% of the bacteria in a drinking water system.
More Water Contaminants
Source- Barium (Ba+2) is a naturally occurring alkaline Earth metal found primarily in the midwest. Traces of the element are found in surface and ground waters. It can also be found in oil and gas-drilling muds, waste from coal fired power plants, jet fuels, and automotive paints. Barium is highly toxic when its soluble salts are ingested. The current MCL for Barium is 2.0 mg/l.
Treatment- Sodium form cation exchange units (softeners) are very effective at removing Barium. Reverse Osmosis is also extremely effective in its removal, as well as Electrodialysis.
Source- Benzene a byproduct of petroleum refining, is used as an intermediate in the production of synthesized plastics, and is also an additive in gasoline. Gasoline contains approximately 0.8 % benzene by volume. Benzene is classified as a volatile organic chemical (VOC) and is considered a carcinogen by the US EPA. Benzene makes its way into water supplies from leaking fuel tanks, industrial chemical waste, pharmaceutical industry waste, or from run off of pesticides. The current US EPA MCL for Benzene is 0.005 mg/l.
Treatment- Benzene can be removed with activated carbon. Approximately 1000 gallons of water containing 570 ppb of benzene can be treated with 0.35lbs of activated carbon, in other words; 94,300 gallons of water can be treated for every cubic foot of carbon. The benzene must be in contact with the carbon for a minimum of 10 minutes. If the required flow rate is 5 gpm, then 50 gallon of carbon is required which converts to approx. 7 cu. Ft. The activated carbon must be replaced when exhausted.
Source- The Bicarbonate (HCO3) ion is the principal alkaline constituent in almost all water supplies. Alkalinity in drinking water supplies seldom exceeds 300 mg/l. Bicarbonate alkalinity is introduced into the water by CO2 dissolving carbonate-containing minerals. Alkalinity control is important in boiler feed water, cooling tower water, and in the beverage industry. Alkalinity neutralizes the acidity in fruit flavors; and in the textile industry, it interferes with acid dying. Alkalinity is known as a “buffer”.
Treatment- In the pH range of 5.0 to 8.0 there is a balance between excess CO2, and bicarbonate ions. The bicarbonate alkalinity can be reduced, by removing the free CO2 through aeration. The alkalinity can also be reduced, by feeding acid to lower the pH. At pH 5.0 there is only CO2 and 0 alkalinity. A strong base anion exchanger will also remove alkalinity.
Source- Borate B (OH) 4 is a compound of Boron. Most of the world’s boron is contained in seawater. Sodium borate occurs in arid regions where inland seas once existed but have long since evaporated. Boron is frequently present in fresh water supplies in these same areas in the form of non-ionized boric acid. The amount of boric acid is not limited by drinking water standards, but it can be damaging to citrus crops if it is present in irrigation water and becomes concentrated in the soil.
Treatment- Boron behaves like silica when it is in an aqueous solution. It can be removed with an Anion Exchanger or adsorbed utilizing an Activated Carbon Filter.
Water Contaminants Continued
Source- Cadmium enters the environment through a variety of industrial operations, it is an impurity found in zinc. By-products from mining, smelting, electroplating, pigment, and plasticizer production can contain Cadmium. Cadmium emissions come from fossil fuel use. Cadmium makes it way into the water supplies as a result of deterioration of galvanized plumbing, industrial waste or fertilizer contamination. The US EPA Primary Drinking Water Standards lists Cadmium with a 0.005 mg/l MCL.
Treatment- Cadmium can be removed from drinking water with a sodium form cation exchanger (softener). Reverse Osmosis will remove 95 –98% of the Cadmium in the water. Electrodialysis will also remove the majority of the Cadmium.
Source- Calcium is the major component of hardness in water and is usually in the range of 5-500 mg/l, as CaCO3. Calcium is derived from nearly all rock, but the greatest concentrations come from limestone and gypsum. Calcium ions are the principal cat ions in most natural waters. Calcium reduction is required in treating cooling tower makeup. Complete removal is required in metal finishing, textile operations, and boiler feed applications.
Treatment- Calcium, as with all hardness, can be removed with a simple sodium form cation exchanger (softener). Reverse Osmosis will remove 95-98% of the calcium in the water. Electrodialysis and Ultra Filtration also will remove calcium. Calcium can also be removed with the hydrogen form cation exchanger portion of a deionizer system.
Source- Free Carbon Dioxide (CO2) exists in varying amounts in most natural water supplies. Most well waters will contain less than 50 ppm. Carbon Dioxide in water yields an acidic condition. Water (H2O) plus carbon dioxide (CO2) yields carbonic acid (H2CO3). The dissociation of carbonic acid yields hydrogen (H+) and bicarbonate alkalinity (HCO3). The pH value will drop as the concentration of carbon dioxide increases, and conversely will increase as the bicarbonate alkalinity content increases.
H2O + CO2 H2CO3 H+ + HCO3
Water with a pH of 3.5 or below generally, contains mineral acids such as sulfuric or hydrochloric acid. Carbon Dioxide can exist in waters with pH values from 3.6 to 8.4, but will never be present in waters having a pH of 8.5 or above. The pH value is not a measurement of the amount of carbon dioxide in the water, but rather the relationship of carbon dioxide and bicarbonate alkalinity.
Treatment- Free CO2 can be easily dissipated by aeration. A two-column deionizer (consisting of a hydrogen form strong acid cation and a hydroxide form strong base anion) will also remove the carbon dioxide. The cation exchanger adds the hydrogen ion (H+), which shifts the above equation to the left in favor of water and carbon dioxide release. The anion resin removes the carbon dioxide by actually removing the bicarbonate ion. A forced draft degasifier placed between the cation and anion will serve to blow off the CO2 before it reaches the anion bed, thus reducing the capacity requirements for the anion resin. The CO2 can be eliminated, by raising the pH to 8.5 or above with a soda ash or caustic soda chemical feed system.
Source- Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4) is a volatile organic chemical (VOC), and is primarily used in the manufacture of chlorofluoromethane but also in grain fumigants, fire extinguishers, solvents, and cleaning agents. Many water supplies across the country have been found to contain measurable amounts of VOC’s. VOC’s pose a possible health risk because a number of them are probable or known carcinogens. The detection of VOC’s in a water supply indicates that a pollution incident has occurred, because these chemicals are man-made. See Volatile Organic Chemicals for a complete listing. The US EPA has classified carbon tetrachloride as a probable human carcinogen and established an MCL of 0.005 mg/l.
Treatment- Reverse Osmosis will remove 70 to 80% of the VOC’s in drinking water, as will ultra filtration and electro dialysis. Carbon tetrachloride as well as the other volatile organic chemical (VOC’s) can also be removed from drinking water with activated carbon filtration. The adsorption capacity of the carbon will vary with each type of VOC, which can be removed before the carbon will need replacement.
Source- Chloride (C1-1) is one of the major anions found in water and are generally combined with calcium, magnesium, or sodium. Since almost all chloride salts are highly soluble in water, the chloride content ranges from 10 to 100 mg/l. Seawater contains over 30,000 mg/l as NaCl. Chloride is associated with the corrosion of piping because of the compounds formed with it; for example, magnesium chloride can generate hydrochloric acid when heated. Corrosion rates and the iron dissolved into the water from piping increases as the sodium chloride content of the water is increased. The chloride ion is instrumental in breaking down passivating films, which protect ferrous metals and alloys from corrosion, and is one of the main causes for the pitting corrosion of stainless steel. The SMCL (suggested maximum contaminant level) for chloride is 250 mg/l which is due strictly to the objectionable salty taste produced in drinking water.
Treatment- Reverse Osmosis will remove 90-95% of the chlorides because of its salt rejection capabilities. Electrodialysis and distillation are two more process, which can be used to reduce the chloride content of water. Strong base anion exchanger is the later portion of a two-column deionizer and does an excellent job at removing chlorides for industrial applications.
Continued Water Contaminants
Source- Chlorine is the most commonly used agent for the disinfection of water supplies. Chlorine is a strong oxidizing agent capable of reacting with many impurities in water including ammonia, proteins, amino acids, iron, and manganese. The amount of chlorine required to react with these substances is called the chlorine demand. Liquid chlorine is sodium hypochlorite. Household liquid bleach is 5-1/4% sodium hypochlorite. Chlorine in the form of a solid is calcium hypochlorite. When chlorine is added to water, a variety of chloro compounds are formed. An example of this would be when ammonia is present, inorganic compounds known as chloramines are produced. Chlorine also reacts with residual organic material to produce potentially carcinogenic compounds, the Trihalomethanes (THM’s): chloroform, bromodichloromethane, bromoform, and chlorodibromomethane. THM regulations have required that other oxidants and disinfectants be considered in order to minimize THM formation. The other chemical oxidants being examined are potassium permanganate, hydrogen peroxide, chloramines, chlorine dioxide, and ozone. No matter what form of chlorine is added to water, hypochlorite, hypochlorous acid, and molecular chlorine will be formed. The reaction lowers the pH, thus making the water more corrosive and aggressive to steel and copper pipe.
Treatment- Chlorinated water can be dosed with sulfite-bisulfite-sulfur dioxide or passed through an activated carbon filter. Activated carbon will remove 880,00 ppm of free chlorine per cubic foot of media.
Source- Chromium is found in drinking water as a result of industrial waste contamination. The occurrence of excess chromium is relatively infrequent. Proper tests must be run on the water supply to determine the form of the chromium present. Trivalent chromium (Cr=3) is slightly soluble in water, and is considered essential in man and animals for efficient lipid, glucose, and protein metabolism. Hexavalent chromium (Cr=6) on the other hand is considered toxic. The US EPA classifies chromium as a human carcinogen. The current Drinking Water Standards MCL is .005 mg/l.
Treatment- Trivalent Chromium (Cr+3) can be removed with strong acid cation resin regenerated with hydrochloric acid. Hexavalent chromium (Cr+6) on the other hand requires the utilization of a strong base anion exchanger, which must be regenerated with caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) NaOH. Reverse Osmosis can effectively reduce both forms of chromium by 90 to 97%. Distillation will also reduce chromium.
Source- Color in water is almost always due to organic material which is usually extracted from decaying vegetation. Color is common in surface water supplies, while it is virtually non-existent in spring water and deep wells. Color in water may also be the result of natural metallic ions (iron and manganese). A yellow tint to the water indicates that humic acids are present, referred to as “tannins”. A reddish color would indicate the presence of precipitated iron. Stains on bathroom fixtures and on laundry are often associated with color also. Reddish-brown is ferric hydroxide (iron) will precipitate when the water is exposed to air. Dark brown to black stains are created by manganese. Excess copper can create blue stains.
Treatment- Color is removed by chemical feed, retention and filtration. Activated carbon filtration will work most effectively to remove color in general. Anion scavenger resin will remove tannins, but must be preceded by a softener or mixed with fine mesh softener resin. See the headings Iron, Manganese, and Copper for information their removal or reduction.
Source- Copper (Cu+3) in drinking water can be derived from rock weathering, however the principal sources are the corrosion of brass and copper piping and the addition of copper salts when treating water supplies for algae control. Copper is required by the body for proper nutrition. Insufficient amounts of copper lead to iron deficiency. However, high doses of copper can cause liver damage or anemia. The taste threshold for copper in drinking water is 2-5 mg/l. The US EPA has proposed a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 1.3 mg/l for copper.
Treatment- Copper can be reduced or removed with sodium from strong acid cation resin (softener) dependent on the concentration. If the cation resin is regenerated with acid performance will be enhanced. Reverse osmosis or electrodialysis will remove 97-98% of the copper in the water supply. Activated carbon filtration will also remove copper by adsorption.
Source- Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite which exists as a round oocyst about 4 to 6 microns in diameter. Oocysts pass through the stomach into the small intestine where it’s sporozoites invade the cell lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of infection include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and low-grade fever.
Treatment- Filtration is the most effective treatment for protozoan cysts. Cartridge POU filters rated at 0.5 micron are designed for this purpose.
Source- Cyanide (CN) is extremely toxic and is not commonly found at significant levels in drinking water. Cyanide is normally found in wastewater from metal finishing operations. The US EPA has not classified cyanide as a carcinogen because of inadequate data. No MCL level established or proposed.
Treatment- Chlorine feed, retention, and filtration will break down the Cyanide. Reverse osmosis or electrodialysis will remove 90 – 95% of it.
Water Contaminants Cont.
Source- Fluoride (F+) is a common constituent of many minerals. Municipal water treatment plants commonly add fluoride to the water for prevention of tooth decay, and maintain a level of 1.5 – 2.5 mg/l. Concentrations above 5 mg/l are detrimental to tooth structure. High concentrations are contained in wastewater from the manufacture of glass and steel, as well as from foundry operations. Organic fluorine is present in vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Inorganic fluorine, under the name of sodium fluoride, is a waste product of aluminum and is used in some rat poisons. The MCL established for drinking water by the US EPA is 4 mg/l.
Treatment- Fluoride can be reduced by anion exchange. Adsorption by calcium phosphate, magnesium hydroxide or activated carbon will also reduce the fluoride content of drinking water. Reverse osmosis will remove 93-95% of the fluoride.
Source- Giardia is a protozoan which can exist as a trophozoite, usually 9 to 21 um long, or as an ovoid cyst, approximately 10 um long and 6 um wide. Protozoans are unicellular and colorless organisms that lack a cell wall. When Giardia is ingested in humans, symptoms include diarrhea, fatigue, and cramps. The US EPA has a treatment technique in effect for Giardia.
Treatment- Slow sand filtration or a diatomaceous earth filter can remove up to 99% of the cysts when proper pretreatment is utilized. Chemical oxidation – disinfection, ultra filtration, and reverse osmosis all effectively remove Giardia cysts. Ozone appears to be very effective against the cysts when utilized in the chemical oxidation – disinfection process instead of chlorine. The most economical and widely used method of removing Giardia is mechanical filtration. Because of the size of the parasite, it can easily be removed with pre coat, solid block carbon, ceramic, pleated membrane, and spun wrapped filter cartridges.
Source- Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is a gas which imparts its “rotten egg” odor to water supplies. Such waters are distasteful for drinking purposes and processes in practically all industries. Most sulfur waters contain from 1 to 5 ppm of hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen Sulfide can interfere with readings obtained from water samples. It turns hardness and pH tests gray, and makes iron tests inaccurate. Chlorine bleach should be added to eliminate the H2S odor; then the hardness, pH and iron tests can be done. Hydrogen Sulfide cannot be tested in a lab it must be done in the field. Hydrogen Sulfide is corrosive to plumbing fixtures even at low concentrations. H2S fumes will blacken or darken painted surfaces, giving them a “smoked” appearance.
Treatment- H2S requires chlorine to be fed in sufficient quantities to eliminate it, while leaving a residual in the water (3ppm of chlorine is required for each ppm of hydrogen sulfide). Activated carbon filtration may then be installed to remove the excess chlorine.
Source- Lead (Pb+2) found in fresh water usually indicates contamination from metallurgical wastes or from lead-containing industrial poisons. Lead in drinking water is primarily from the corrosion of the lead solder used to put together the copper piping. Lead in the body can cause serious damage to the brain, kidneys, nervous system and red blood cells. The US EPA considers lead to be a highly toxic metal and a major health threat. The current level of lead allowable in drinking water is 0.05 mg/l.
Treatment- Lead can be reduced considerably with a water softener. Activated carbon filtration can also reduce lead to a certain extent. Reverse osmosis can remove 94 to 98% of the lead in drinking water at the point-of-use. Distillation will also remove the lead from drinking water.
Source- Legionella In July 1976, there was an outbreak of pneumonia effecting 221 people attending the annual Pennsylvania American Legion convention at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia. Out of the 221 people infected, 34 died. It wasn’t until December 1977 that microbiologists were able to isolate a bacterium from the autopsy of the lung tissue of one of the legionnaires. The bacterium was named Legionella pneumophila (Legionella in honor of the American Legion, and pneumophila which is Greek for “lung-loving”) and was found to be completely different from other bacteria. Unlike patients with other pneumonias, patients with legionnaire’s disease often have severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. The US EPA has not set a MCL (maximum contamination level) for Legionella, instead it has outlined the treatment method which must be followed and the MCLG is 0 mg/l.
Treatment- Chemical oxidation-disinfection followed by retention, then filtration could be used. Since Legionella are bacteria, Reverse Osmosis or Ultra filtration are the preferred removal techniques.
More Water Contaminants
Source- Magnesium (Mg+2) hardness is usually approximately 33% of the total hardness of a particular water supply. Magnesium is found in many minerals, including dolomite, magnesite, and many types of clay. It is in abundance in sea water where its concentration is five (5) times the amount of calcium. Magnesium carbonate is seldom a major component of in scale. However, it must be removed along with calcium where soft water is required for boiler make-up, or for process applications.
Treatment- Magnesium may be reduced to less than 1 mg/l with the use of a softener or cation exchanger in hydrogen form. Also see “Hardness”.
Source- Manganese (Mn+4,Mn+2) is present in many soils and sediments as well as in rocks whose structures have been changed by heat and pressure. It is used in the manufacture of steel to improve corrosion resistance and hardness. Manganese is considered essential to plant and animal life and can be derived from such foods as corn, spinach, and whole wheat products. It is known to be important in building strong bones and may be beneficial to the cardiovascular system. Manganese may be found in deep well waters at concentrations as high as 2-3 mg/l. It is hard to treat because of the complexes it can form which are dependent on the oxidation state, pH, bicarbonate-carbonate-OH ratios, and the presence of other minerals, particularly iron. Concentrations higher than 0.05 mg/l cause manganese deposits and staining of clothing and plumbing fixtures. The stains are dark brown to black in nature. The use of chlorine bleach in the laundry will cause the stains to set. The chemistry of manganese in water is similar to that of iron. High levels of manganese in the water produce an unpleasant odor and taste. Organic materials can tie up manganese in the same manner as they do iron therefore destruction of the organic matter is a necessary part of manganese removal.
Treatment- Removal of manganese can be done by ion exchange (sodium form cation-softener) or chemical oxidation – retention – filtration. Removal with a water softener dictates that the pH be 6.8 or higher and is beneficial to use countercurrent regeneration with brine make-up and backwash utilizing soft water. It takes 1 ppm of oxygen to treat 1.5 ppm of manganese. Greensand filter with potassium will remove up to 10 ppm if pH is above 8.0. Birm filter with air injection will reduce manganese if pH is 8.0 to 8.5. Chemical feed (chlorine, potassium permanganate, or hydrogen peroxide) followed by 20 minutes retention and then filtered with birm, greensand, carbon, or Filter Ag will also remove the manganese.
Source- Mercury (Hg) is one of the least abundant elements in the earth’s crust. It exists in two forms, an inorganic salt or an organic compound (methyl mercury). Mercury detected in drinking water is of the inorganic type. Organic mercury enters the food chain through fish and comes primarily from industrial chemical manufacturing waste or from the leaching of coal ash. If inorganic mercury enters the body, it usually settles in the kidneys. Where as organic mercury attacks the central nervous system. The MCL for mercury set by the US EPA is 0.002 mg/l.
Treatment- Activated carbon filtration is very effective for the removal of mercury. Reverse osmosis will remove 95-97% of it.
Source- Methane (CH4), often called marsh gas, is the primary component of natural gas. It is commonly found where landfills once existed and is generated from decaying of plants or other carbon based matter. It can also be found in and around oil fields. Methane is colorless, odorless, nearly invisible, highly flammable, and often found in conjunction with other gases such as hydrogen sulfide. Even though methane gas gives water a milky appearance, which makes it aesthetically unpleasant, there are no known health effects.
Treatment- Aeration or degasification is the only way to eliminate the problem of methane gas. Venting the casing and/or the cap of the well will reduce the problem of methane in the water, but may not completely eliminate it. Another method is to provide an atmospheric holding tank where the methane laden water can be vented to allow the gas to dissipate. This method may not be 100% effective either. An aerator or degasifier is the proper piece of equipment to utilize for the removal of methane. Water is introduced through the top, sometimes through spray nozzles, and allowed to percolate through a packing material. Air is forced in the opposite direction to the water flow. The water is then collected in the bottom of the unit and re-pressurized.
Source- Nickel (Ni+2) is common, and exists in approximately 85% of the water supplies, and is usually around 1 ppb (part per billion). The US EPA has classified nickel as a possible human carcinogen based on inhalation exposure. Nickel has not been shown to be carcinogenic via oral exposure. No MCLG (maximum contamination level goal) has been proposed.
Treatment- Nickel behaves the same as iron, and can be removed by a strong acid cation exchanger. Activated carbon filtration can be used to reduce the amount of nickel in drinking water, but may not remove it all. Reverse osmosis will remove 97-98% of the nickel from drinking water.
Source- Taste and Odor problems of many different types can be encountered in drinking water. Troublesome compounds may result from biological growth or industrial activities. The tastes and odors may be produced in the water supply, in the water treatment plant from reactions with treatment chemicals, in the distribution system, and/or in the plumbing of consumers. Tastes and odors can be caused by mineral contaminants in the water, such as the “salty” taste of water when chlorides are 500 mg/l or above, or the “rotten egg” odor caused by hydrogen sulfide. Odor in the drinking water is usually caused by blue-green algae. Moderate concentrations of algae in the water can cause it to have a “grassy”, “musty” or “spicy” odor. Large quantities can cause the water to have a “rotten”, “septic”, “fishy” or “medicinal” odor. Decaying vegetation is probably the most common cause for taste and odor in surface water supplies. In treated water supplies chlorine can react with organics and cause odor problems. Odor is listed in the Secondary Drinking Water Standards by the US EPA. The contaminant effects are strictly aesthetic and a suggested Threshold Odor Number (TON) of 3 is recommended.
Treatment- Odor can be removed by oxidation-reduction or by activated carbon adsorption. Aeration can be utilized if the contaminant is in the form of a gas, such as H2S (hydrogen sulfide). Chlorine is the most common oxidant used in water treatment, but is only partially effective on taste and odor. Potassium permanganate and oxygen are also only partially effective. Chloramines are not at all effective for the treatment of taste and odor. The most effective oxidizers for treating taste and odor are chlorine dioxide and ozone. Activated carbon has an excellent history of success in treating taste and odor problems. The life of the carbon depends on the presence of organics competing for sites and the concentration of the odor-causing compound.
Continued: Water Contaminants
Source- Organic Matter makes up a significant part of the soil therefore water soluble organic compounds are present in all water supplies. Organic matter is reported on a water analysis as carbon, as it is in the TOC (total organic carbon) determination. The following is a list of organics, which is regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1986.
Organics
- Endrin
- 1,1,2-Trichloroethane
- Lindane
- 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (dioxin)
- Methoxychlor
- Vydate
- Toxaphene
- Simazine
- 2,4-D
- Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)
- 2,4,5-TP
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)
- Aldicarb
- Atrazine
- Chlordane
- Phthalates
- Dalapon
- Acrylamide
- Diquat
- Dibromochloropropane (DBCP)
- Endothall
- 1,2-Dichloropropane
- Glyhosate
- Pentachlorophenol
- Carbofuran
- Pichloram
- Alachlor
- Dinoseb
- Epichlorohydrin
- Ethylene dibomide (EDB)
- Toluene
- Dibromomethane
- Adipates
- Xylene
- Hexachlorocyclopentadiene
Organics come from three major sources: (1) the breakdown of naturally occurring organic materials, (2) domestic and commercial chemicals wastes, and (3) chemical reactions that occur during water treatment processes. The first source is comprised of humic materials, microorganisms, and petroleum-based aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. Organics derived from domestic and commercial chemical wastes include wastewater discharges, agricultural runoff, urban runoff, and leaching from contaminated soils. Organic contaminants formed during water treatment included disinfection by-products such as THM’s (Trihalomethanes), or undesirable components of piping assembly such as joint adhesives.
Source- Pesticides are common synthetic organic chemicals (SOCs). Pesticides reach surface and well water supplies from the runoff in agricultural areas where they are used. Certain pesticides are banned by the government because of their toxicity to humans or their adverse effect on the environment. Pesticides usually decompose and break down as they perform their intended function. Low levels of pesticides are found where complete break down does not occur. There is no US EPA maximum contamination level (MCL) for pesticides as a total, each substance is considered separately.
Treatment- Activated carbon filtration is the most effective way to remove organics whether synthetic (like pesticides) or natural. Ultra filtration will also remove organic compounds. Reverses osmosis will remove 97-99% of the pesticides.
Source- Potassium (K+) is an alkaline metal closely related to sodium. It is seldom that one sees it analyzed separately on a water analysis. Potassium is not a major component in public or industrial water supplies. Potassium is, however, essential in a well balanced diet and can be found in fruits such as bananas.
Treatment- Potassium can be removed by a cation exchange resin, usually in the form of a softener. It can also be reduced by 94-97% utilizing electrodialysis or reverse osmosis.
Source- Radium (Ra) is a radioactive chemical element which can be found in very small amounts in pitchblende and other uranium minerals. It is used in the treatment of cancer and some skin diseases. Radium 226 and radium 228 are of most concern when found in drinking water because of the effects on the health of individuals. Radium 228 causes bone sarcomas. Radium 226 induces carcinomas in the head. Radioactivity in water can be naturally occurring or can be from man-made contamination. Radiation is generally measured in curies (Ci). One curie equals 3.7 x 1010 nuclear transformations per second. A picocurie (pCi) equals 1012 curies. The US EPA has set the MCL for radium 226 and 228 at 5 pCi/L under the NIPDWR (National Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations).
Treatment- Radium can be removed by sodium for cation exchange resin in the form of a water softener. Reverse osmosis will remove 95-98% of any radioactivity in the drinking water.
Source- Radon (Rn) is a radioactive gaseous chemical element formed in the atomic disintegration of radium. Radon 222 is one of the radionuclides of most concern when found in drinking water. It is naturally occurring isotope, but can also come from man-made sources. All radionuclides are considered carcinogens, but the organs they target vary. Since radon 222 is a gas, it can be inhaled during showers or while washing dishes. There is a direct relationship between radon 222 and lung cancer. Under NIPDWR (National Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations), the MCL (Maximum Contamination Level) for radon 222 is set at 15 pCi/L (see radium for explanation of how radiation is measured).
Treatment- Radon is easily removed by aeration, since it is a gas. Carbon filtration is also very effective in removing radon.
More Water Contaminants
Source- Selenium (Se) is essential for human nutrition, with the majority coming from food. The concentration found in drinking water is usually low, and comes from natural minerals. Selenium is also a by-product of copper mining / smelting. It is used in photoelectric devises because its electrical conductivity varies with light. Naturally occurring selenium compounds have not been shown to be carcinogenic in animals. However, acute toxicity caused by high selenium intake has been observed in laboratory animals and in animals grazing in areas where high selenium levels exist in the soil. The US EPA has established the MCL for selenium at 0.05 mg/l.
Treatment- Anion exchange can reduce the amount of selenium in drinking water by 60-95%. Reverse osmosis is excellent at reduction of selenium.
Source- Silica (SiO2) is an oxide of silicon, and is present in almost all minerals. It is found in surface and well water in the range of 1-100 mg/l. Silica is considered to be colloidal in nature because of the way it reacts with adsorbents. A colloid is a gelatinous substance made up of non-diffusible particles that remain suspended in a fluid medium. Silica is objectionable in cooling tower makeup and boiler feed water. Silica evaporates in a boiler at high temperatures and then re-deposits on the turbine blades. These deposits must be periodically removed or damage to the turbine will occur. Silica is not listed in the Primary or the Secondary Drinking Water Standards issued by the US EPA.
Treatment- Silica can be removed by the anion exchange portion of the demineralization process. Reverse osmosis will reject 85-90% of the silica content in the water.
Source- Silver (Ag) is a white, precious metallic chemical element found in natural and finished water supplies. Silver oxide can be used as a disinfectant, but usually is not. Chronic exposure to silver, results in a blue-gray color of the skin and organs. This is a permanent aesthetic effect. Silver shows no evidence of carcinogenicity. Silver has a suggested level of 0.1 mg/l under the US EPA Secondary Drinking Water Standards.
Treatment- Silver can be reduced by 98% with distillation, up to 60% with activated carbon filtration, up to 90% with cation exchange or anion exchange (dependent on the pH), or up to 90% by reverse osmosis.
S.O.C. Water Contaminants
Source- Over 1000 SOCs (Synthetic Organic Chemicals) have been detected in drinking water at one time or another. Most are of no concern, but some are potentially a health risk to consumers. Below is a list of synthetic organic chemicals along with the proposed MCL (maximum contamination level) in mg/l as determined by the US EPA Primary Drinking Water Regulations.
Synthetics
| Synthetic Organic Chemicals | Proposed MCL, mg/l |
| Acrylamide | 0.0005 |
| Alachlor | 0.002 |
| Aldicarb | 0.01 |
| Aldicarb sulfoxide | 0.01 |
| Aldicarb sulfone | 0.04 |
| Atrazine | 0.002 |
| Carbofuran | 0.04 |
| Chlordane | 0.02 |
| Cis-1, 2 Dichloroethylene | 0.07 |
| DBCP | 0.0002 |
| 1,2-Dichtoropropane | 0.005 |
| 0-Dichlorobenzene | 0.6 |
| 2,4-D | 0.1 |
| EDB | 0.00005 |
| Epichlorohydrin | 0.002 |
| Ethylbenzene | 0.7 |
| Heptachlor | 0.0004 |
| Heptachlor epoxide | 0.0002 |
| Lindane | 0.0002 |
| Methoxychlor | 0.4 |
| Monochlorobenzene | 0.1 |
| Polychlorinated biphenyls | 0.0005 |
| Pentachlorophenol | 0.2 |
| Styrene | 0.005 |
| Tetrachloroethylene | 0.005 |
| Toluene | .2.0 |
| 2,4,5-TP | |
| Toxaphene | 0.005 |
| Trans-1, 2 Dichloroethylene | 0.1 |
| Xylene | 10.0 |
Treatment- Activated carbon is generally used to remove organics. Flow rates should be restricted to 2 gpm per square foot of the filter bed. Reverse osmosis will remove 98 to 99% of the organics in the water.
Ultra-filtration (UF) and Nano-filtration (NF) both will remove organics. Anion exchange resin also retains organics, but periodically needs cleaning.
Source- Sodium (Na) is a major component in drinking water. All water supplies contain some sodium. The amount is dependent on local soil conditions. The higher the sodium content of water, the more corrosive the water becomes. A major source of sodium in natural waters is from the weathering of feldspars, evaporates and clay. The American Heart Association has recommended a maximum sodium level of 20 mg/l in drinking water for patients with hypertension or cardiovascular disease. Intake from food is generally the major source of sodium, ranging from 110 to 3300 mg/day. Persons requiring restrictions on salt intake, usually have a sodium limitation down to 500 mg/day. The amount of sodium obtained from drinking softened water is insignificant compared to the sodium ingested in the normal human diet. The amount of sodium contained in a quart of softened, 18 grain per gallon water is equivalent to a normal slice of white bread. Sodium in the body regulates the osmotic pressure of the blood plasma to assure the proper blood volume. Sodium chloride is essential in the formation of the stomach acids necessary for the digestive processes. The US EPA sponsored a symposium, which concluded that there is no relationship between soft water and cardiovascular disease. There is also no MCL published for sodium, however the US EPA suggests a level of 20 mg/l in drinking water for that portion of the population on severe sodium restricted diets of 500 mg/day or less.
Treatment- Sodium can be removed with the hydrogen form cation exchanger portion of a deionizer. Reverse osmosis will reduce sodium by 94-98%. Distillation will also remove sodium./
Source- Strontium (Sr) is in the same family as calcium and magnesium, and is one of the polyvalent earth metals that shows up as hardness in the water. The presence of strontium is usually restricted to areas where there are lead ores, and its concentration in water is usually very low. Stronium sulfate is a critical reverse osmosis membrane foulant, dependent on its concentration. There is no MCL for strontium listed in the US EPA Drinking Water Standards.
Treatment- Strontium can be removed with strong acid cation exchange resin. It can be in sodium form as in a water softener or the hydrogen form as in the cation portion of a two-column deionizer. Reverse osmosis will also reduce strontium but as stated above strontium sulfate is a membrane foulant.
Source- Taste and odor Generally, individuals have a more acute sense of smell than taste. Taste problems in water come from total dissolved solids (TDS) and the presence of such metals as iron, copper, manganese, or zinc. Magnesium chloride and magnesium bicarbonate are significant in terms of taste. Fluoride may also cause a distinct taste. Taste and odor problems of many different types can be encountered in drinking water. Troublesome compounds may result from biological growth or industrial activities. The tastes and odors may be produced in the water supply, in the water treatment plant from reactions with treatment chemicals, in the distribution system, and / or in the plumbing of consumers. Tastes and odors can be caused by mineral contaminants in the water, such as the “salty” taste of water when chlorides are 500 mg/l or above. Decaying vegetation is probably the most common cause for taste and odor in surface water supplies. In treated water supplies chlorine can react with organics and cause taste and odor problems. See “ODOR” for more information.
Treatment- Taste and odor can be removed by oxidation-reduction or by activated carbon adsorption. Aeration can be utilized if the contaminant is in the form of a gas, such as H2S (hydrogen sulfide). Chlorine is the most common oxidant used in water treatment, but is only partially effective on taste and odor. Potassium Permanganate and oxygen are also only partially effective. Chloramines are not at all effective for the treatment of taste and odor. The most effective oxidizers for treating taste and odor, are chlorine dioxide and ozone. Activated carbon has an excellent history of success in treating taste and odor problems. The life of the carbon depends on the presence of organics competing for sites and the concentration of the taste and odor-causing compound.
Source- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) consist mainly of carbonates, bicarbonates, chlorides, sulfates, phosphates, nitrates, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, manganese, and a few others. They do not include gases, colloids, or sediment. The TDS can be estimated by measuring the specific conductance of the water. Dissolved solids in natural waters range from less than 10 mg/l for rain to more than 100,000 mg/l for brines. Since TDS is the sum of all materials dissolved in the water, it has many different mineral sources. The chart below indicates the TDS from various sources.
| Source | TDS – mg/l |
| Distilled Water | 0 |
| Two-column Deionizer Water | 8 |
| Rain and Snow | 10 |
| Lake Michigan | 170 |
| Rivers in US (average) | 210 |
| Missouri River | 360 |
| Pecos River | 2600 |
| Oceans | 35,000 |
| Brine Well | 125,000 |
| Dead Sea | 250,000 |
High levels of total dissolved solids can adversely industrial applications requiring the use of water such as cooling tower operations, boiler feed water, food and beverage industries, and electronics manufactures. High levels of chloride and sulfate will accelerate corrosion of metals. The US EPA has a suggested level of 500 mg/l listed in the Secondary Drinking Water Standards.
Treatment- TDS reduction is accomplished by reducing the total amount in the water. This is done during the process of deionization or with reverse osmosis. Electrodialysis will also reduce the TDS.
Source- THM’s (Trihalomethanes) are produced when chlorine reacts with residual organic compounds. The four common THM’s are trichloromethane (chloroform), dibromochloromethane, dichlorobromomethane, and bromoform. There have been studies that suggest a connection between chlorination by-products and particularly bladder and possibly colon and rectal cancer. An MCL of 0.10 mg/l for total THM’s exists.
Treatment- Trihalomethanes and other halogenated organics can be reduced by adsorption with an activated carbon filter.
Source- TOC (Total Organic Carbon) is a measurement to track the overall organic content of water. The organic content of the water will appear on the water analysis as C (carbon). The TOC test is the most common test performed to obtain an indication of the organic content of the water. Nonspecific tests utilized to determine the organic content of water are given below.
- BOD -Biochemical oxygen demand- expressed as O2
- CCE -Carbon-chloroform extract-expressed in weight
- CAE -Carbon-alcohol extract (performed after CCE)
- COD -Chemical oxygen demand-expressed as O2
- Color -Color-reported as APHA units
- IDOD -Immediate dissolved oxygen demand-expressed as O2
- LOI -Loss of ignition-expressed in weight
- TOC -Total organic carbon-expressed as C
The above tests are used to determine organic content of the water, for more information about different types see “ORGANICS”.
Treatment- Procedures and suggestions for reduction of TOC is given under the heading “ORGANICS”.
Source- Turbidity is the term given to anything that is suspended in a water supply. It is found in most surface waters, but usually doesn’t existing ground waters except in shallow wells and springs after heavy rains. Turbidity gives the water a cloudy appearance or shows up as dirty sediment. Un-dissolved materials such as sand, clay, silt or suspended iron contribute to turbidity. Turbidity can cause the staining of sinks and fixtures as well as the discoloring of fabrics. Usually turbidity is measured in NTUs (nephelometric turbidity units). Typical drinking water will have a turbidity level of 0 to 1 NTU. Turbidity can also be measured in ppm (parts per million) and its size is measured in microns. Turbidity can be particles in the water consisting of finely divided solids, larger than molecules, but not visible by the naked eye; ranging in size form .001 to .150 mm (1to 150 microns). The US EPA has established an MCL for turbidity to be 0.5 to 1.0 NTU, because it interferes with disinfection of the water.
Treatment- Typically turbidity can be reduced to 75 microns with a cyclone separator, then reduced down to 20 micron with standard back washable filter, however flow rates of 5 gpm/sq. ft. are recommended maximum. Turbidity can be reduced to 10 micron with a multimedia filter while providing flow rates of 15 gpm /sq. ft. Cartridge filters of various sizes are also available down into the sub micron range. Ultra-filtration also reduces the turbidity levels of process water.
Source- Uranium is a naturally occurring radionuclide. Natural uranium combines uranium 234, uranium 235, and uranium 238; however, uranium 238 makes up 99.27 percent of the composition. All radionuclides are considered carcinogens; however, the organs each attacks are different. Uranium is not a proven carcinogen but accumulates in the bones similar to the way radium does. Therefore, the US EPA tends to classify it as a carcinogen. Uranium has been found to have a toxic effect on the human kidneys. Under the NIPDWR (national interim primary drinking water regulations), the MCL (maximum contamination level) for uranium is set at 15 pCi/L (see radium for explanation of how radiation is measured).
Treatment- Uranium can be reduced by both cation and anion dependent upon its state. Reverse osmosis will reduce uranium by 95 to 98%. Ultra filtration will also reduce the amount of uranium. Activated alumina can also be utilized.
Source- Viruses are infectious organisms which range in size form 10 to 25 nanometers [1 nanometer=one billionth (10-9) of a meter]. They are particles composed of an acidic nucleus surrounded by a protein shell. Viruses depend totally on living cells and lack an independent metabolism. There are over 100 types of enteric viruses. Enteric viruses are the viruses, which infect humans. Enteric viruses, which are of particular interest in drinking water, are hepatitis A, Norwalk-type viruses, rotaviruses, adenoviruses, enteroviruses, and reoviruses. The test for coliform bacterial is widely accepted as an indication whether or not the water is safe to drink therefore tests for viruses are not usually conducted. The US EPA has established an MCL, which states that 99.99% reduction or inactivation for viruses. Major enteric viruses and their diseases are shown below.
| Virus | Disease |
| Enteroviruses | Polio, Aseptic meningitis, and encephalitis |
| Reoviruses | Upper respiratory and gastrointestinal illness |
| Rotavirusese | Gastroenteritis |
| Adenoviruses | Upper respiratory and gastrointestinal illness |
| Hepatitis A | Infectious hepatitis |
| Norwalk-type | Gastroenteritis |
Treatment- Chemical oxidation / disinfection is the preferred treatment. Chlorine feed with 30 minute contact time for retention, followed by activated carbon filtration is the most widely used treatment. Ozone or iodine may also be utilized as oxidizing agents. Ultraviolet sterilization or distillation may also be used for the treatment of viruses.
Source- VOC (Volatile Organic Chemicals), pose a possible health risk, because many of them are known carcinogens. Volatile organic chemicals are man made therefore the detection of any of them indicates that there has been a chemical spill or other incident. Volatile organic chemicals regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1986 are listed below.
| Volatile Organic Chemicals | US EPA MCL-mg/l |
| Trichloroethylene | 0.005 |
| Tetrachloroethylene | 0.005 |
| Carbon Tetrachloride | 0.005 |
| 1,1,1-Trichloroethane | 0.2 |
| 1,2-Dichloroethane(ethylene dichloride) | .005 |
| Vinyl chloride | 0.002 |
| Methylene chloride (dichloromethane) | |
| Benzene | 0.005 |
| Chlorobenzene | 0.1 |
| Dichlorobenzene | 0.6 |
| Trichlorobenzene | 0.07 |
| 1,1-Dichloroethylene | 0.007 |
| trans 1,2-Dichloroethylene | 0.1 |
| cis -1,2-Dichloroethylene | 0.07 |
Treatment- The best choice for removal of volatile organic chemicals is activated carbon filtration. The adsorption capacity of the carbon will vary with each type of VOC. The carbon manufacturers can run computer projections on many of these chemicals and give an estimate as to the amount of VOC, which can be removed before the carbon will need replacement. Aeration may also be used alone or in conjunction with the activated carbon. Reverse osmosis will remove 70 to 80% of the VOC’s in the water. Electrodialysis and ultra-filtration are also capable of reducing volatile organic chemicals.