Turnkey Arsenic Removal for Small Water Systems

In 2001 the US EPA lowered the maximum contaminant level for arsenic in drinking water from 50 ppb to 10 ppb. This change is expected to impact 10 percent of the nation's drinking water systems; the vast majority of those impacted are small, rural water suppliers. New approaches, particularly simple, adsorption-based technologies are needed to provide cost effective treatment options for small water suppliers. In Phase I, ADA showed that its Amended SilicateT arsenic sorbent exhibited 3-4 times greater capacity for arsenic versus commercial media in a simulated Edwards AFB water. In addition, the material is effective on arsenite and arsenate, and is insensitive to pH over the normal range of drinking water. In Phase II the team will optimize production and performance of the Amended SilicateT material and demonstrate a complete arsenic removal system based on the use of the sorbent. Small pilot units will be fabricated and tested in laboratory and field settings. These prototype units will be small in size to minimize water usage, but will be fully automated and will incorporate all components of a full-scale design. This approach is designed to demonstrate an effective and marketable treatment system by the conclusion of Phase II.