Removal of arsenic from drinking water using BioIronTech technology

Abstract

Arsenic is a known carcinogen to both humans and animals and it has been associated with cancers of the skin, lung, and bladder.Series of methods to remove arsenic from drinking water have been developed and among them removal of arsenic by coagulation with ferric salts was proven to be more effective and safe. However, ferric salts are costly and, therefore, their usage is not an affordable option for developing countries.The research had two objectives: The first was to investigate the production of biologically produced ferrous coagulant from a cheap source, iron ore. Secondly, the effectiveness of usage of this coagulant for arsenic removal from water was examined.Arsenic removal from water during coagulating with biologically produced ferrous is a feasible and affordable technology for developing countries. With the usage of potassium permanganate as the oxidant, arsenic removal from water is dramatically improved.