Arsenic is a naturally occurring element in the earth’s crust. It can be found in water, air, soil, and rocks. Arsenic can also be released into the environment from mining and burning coal. Arsenic is present in drinking water at deficient levels throughout the United States. Arsenic is one of the many contaminants regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in drinking water.
What is Arsenic?
Arsenic is an element that has several forms or “valences.” The most common form of naturally-occurring arsenic is arsenite, which has a valence of +3. Arsenate, which has a valence of +5, is also found in nature. Inorganic arsenic compounds can be either colorless or colored. They have no taste or odor.
In its pure form, arsenic is a steel-gray metal that is brittle and easily breaks into smaller pieces. It can be found in several colors, including white, gray, green, and yellow, when mixed with other elements.
Arsenic is converted to inorganic arsenic compounds when it comes into contact with oxygen or water. These compounds can be found in water, air, and soil. Arsenic can also be found in some foods.
While low levels of arsenic are not harmful, long-term exposure to high levels of arsenic can cause health problems, such as cancer. The EPA has set the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) for arsenic in drinking water at 0. The EPA requires water utilities to test for arsenic and to take action to reduce arsenic levels if they exceed the MCLG.
Find below ways to remove arsenic in drinking water:
1- Reverse osmosis
When you reverse osmosis to remove arsenic from water, you use a method that forces water molecules through an excellent membrane. This process can remove up to 99% of arsenic and other contaminants like lead, fluoride, and chromium.
2- Ion exchange
Ion exchange is another effective way to remove arsenic from drinking water. This method uses a resin to exchange ions in the water with other ions that are not harmful. The arsenic binds to the resin, and the water is filtered out of contaminants.
3- Activated alumina
Activated alumina is a type of adsorbent that can remove arsenic from water. This method works by binding arsenic to the surface of the alumina, which filters the water and eliminates the arsenic.
4- Distillation
Distillation is a process that uses heat to remove contaminants from water. In distillation, water is heated until it turns to vapor. The vapor is then collected and condensed back into the water, leaving behind contaminants like arsenic.
5- Chemical treatment
Chemical treatment is another method that can be used to remove arsenic from water. This process involves adding chemicals to the water, which bind to the arsenic and remove it from the water.
While there are many ways to remove arsenic from drinking water, the best way to protect yourself and your family is to use a certified water filter to remove arsenic. These filters can be installed in your home or office, and they will remove arsenic from your water before you drink it. Arsenic poisoning can cause many health problems, so ensuring your drinking water is safe is vital. Using a water filter, you can remove arsenic from your water and protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of this contaminant.
