Removal of Arsenic from Ground Water by Iron Oxide-Coated Sand

Abstract

In a laboratory study, iron oxide-coated sand showed promise as a medium for use in small systems or home-treatment units in developing areas of the world, for removing arsenic(III) and arsenic(V) from ground water. A low-cost, simple, home arsenic removal unit (material and fabrication cost: Rs. 200, cost of medium: Rs. 80, and regeneration cost: Rs. 5; 1 U.S. dollar = Rs. 35), containing 6 kg (4 L) of iron oxide-coated sand, produced 625 and 610, and 780 and 760 L of water in two cycles of runs when the influent arsenic(III) or arsenic(V) concentration was 1.0 mg/L. A detailed study addressing the effects of some important factors (selectivity of arsenic(III) and arsenic(V) over one another for removal, water pH, concentration and type of competing anions, and cations) on the process is needed. The home arsenic removal unit should be subjected to field trial to assess long-term effects on performance.