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Water & Wastewater Arsenic Removal |
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Water & Wastewater Arsenic Removal
 Arsenic is a naturally occurring chemical found in the earth’s crust, but can be dangerous to humans when released into drinking water supplies as rocks, minerals,
and soils erode. Studies have linked long-term exposure to arsenic contamination
with cancer and cardiovascular, pulmonary, immunological, neurological and endocrine
effects. The legislative timetable for the adoption of the 10 ppb standard for arsenic
in drinking water supplies includes:
- 1993 World Health Organization recommendation of 10 ppb
- 2000 The Drinking Water Directive imposes that European Union countries must meet
the 10ppb arsenic removal standard by 25th December 2003 (including UK, Denmark,
France, Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal), with accession countries following at
a later date. For example, Hungary has negotiated an extension to the compliance
deadline of 2009.
- 2007 Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Serbia and Turkey to adopt 10 ppb
Severn Trent Services offers a simple, proven and cost-effective arsenic removal
treatment system to meet drinking water and non-drinking water application needs. |
What is Arsenic?
Arsenic is a naturally occurring metal found in rocks and soil that can be released
into the environment through geological events, such as volcanic activity and erosion.
Some industrial processes, such as mining, smelting and the production of paints,
metals, soaps, dyes, drugs, semi-conductors and wood preservatives, may also release
arsenic into the environment. There are two different forms of Arsenic – arsenite
(arsenic III) and arsenate (arsenic V). Arsenic V is the most common form and is
easier to remove from drinking water. Arsenic III, is more difficult to remove and
is more hazardous to human health.
How does arsenic get into the water supply?
It is widely thought that naturally occurring arsenic dissolves out of certain rock
formations when ground water levels drop significantly. Surface arsenic-related
pollutants enter the ground water system by gradually moving with the flow of ground
water from rains, melting of snow, etc.
Where is arsenic contaminated water found?
High concentrations of arsenic are found mostly at the foothill of mountain
ranges in the United States. Western states and parts of the Midwest and New England
show increasing arsenic levels well above the current U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) standard of 10 parts per billion (ppb). Although these areas have the
highest concentrations of arsenic overall, communities throughout the United States
have high levels of arsenic in their drinking water. More than 13 million people
in the United States routinely obtain water from public sources that have more than
10 parts per billion of arsenic, according to EPA figures.
Arsenic contaminated water is found on all continents with some better documented
than others. Many European countries, for instance, are known to have levels greater
than the regulatory limit of 10 ppb. Other nations have a significant problem with
arsenic poisoning. Argentina, Bangladesh, India and Japan are just a few of the
countries that have high levels of arsenic in their water supplies. Bangladesh,
for example, estimates between 35 to 77 million of its 125 million citizens are
at risk of drinking contaminated water.
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Lanxess
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LANXESS (formerly Bayer AG) is an internationally active chemical company with customers
in every part of the world. The company is a strategic source for high quality chemicals,
synthetic rubber, synthetic fibers and plastics, providing support for the development
and implementation of success-focused product system solutions. As one of the world’s
largest manufacturers of inorganic pigments, LANXESS produces some 300,000 tons
of iron oxides a year. LANXESS is ISO 9000 compliant.
Bayoxide® E33 is a proprietary granular ferric oxide media and Bayoxide® E33P is
a proprietary pelletized ferric oxide media developed by LANXESS for use in Severn
Trent Services SORB 33® and SORB 33® APU
arsenic removal systems. Bayoxide E33 is NSF Standard 61, DWI and French Ministry
of Health approved. Bayoxide® E33P is NSF Standard 61 approved. Bayoxide® E IN-20
media is highly effective for arsenic and heavy metals removal in non drinking water
applications.
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Severn Trent Services |
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