6 Ways to Treat Drinking Water With Arsenic Contamination

Arsenic can enter drinking water through natural deposits in the earth or from industrial and agricultural pollution. It can leach into groundwater from rock formations or be released from mining activities, pesticide use, and improper waste disposal. Long-term exposure to arsenic-contaminated water poses serious health risks, including skin lesions, cancer (particularly skin, lung, and bladder cancers), cardiovascular diseases, and neurological effects.
Chronic exposure can also impair cognitive development in children and lead to diabetes. Ensuring your water is tested for arsenic and using appropriate filtration systems if necessary is crucial to safeguard your health and prevent these severe health issues.

Treating drinking water contaminated with arsenic involves several methods to effectively reduce its concentration to safe levels. Common treatment options include:

1. Reverse Osmosis (RO): This process uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove arsenic and other contaminants from water. It’s effective for both small-scale (home) and large-scale (community) applications.
2. Adsorptive Media: Materials like activated alumina, iron oxide, or specialized resins can adsorb arsenic from water. These media are often used in household water filters.
3. Ion Exchange: This method replaces arsenic ions with harmless ions (like chloride) using a resin bed. It’s particularly effective for water with low arsenic concentrations.
4. Coagulation-Flocculation: Chemicals are added to the water to form larger particles (flocs) that contain arsenic. These particles are then removed by sedimentation and filtration.
5. Oxidation-Filtration: Arsenic in its reduced form (As(III)) is oxidized to its oxidized form (As(V)), which is easier to remove using filtration methods.
6. Distillation: This method boils water to produce steam, leaving arsenic and other contaminants behind. The steam is then condensed back into liquid form, providing purified water.

Choosing the right method depends on the arsenic concentration, water chemistry, and the specific needs of the user. Regular monitoring and maintenance of the treatment system are essential to ensure ongoing effectiveness.