AWWA ACE54443

Iron and manganese are relatively abundant in the earth's crust and find their way into many ground and surface water supplies. These metals can result in discolored water, growth of autotrophic bacteria called crenoforms, increased chlorine demand, turbercule formation, and taste and odors in potable water supplies. Small systems often struggle with the task of removing these compounds from water because they are not regulated as primary contaminants and require extensive capital and operational investments. Since 1997, many water systems, both large and small, have constructed high-rate iron and manganese removal facilities that have significantly reduced the capital cost and operational requirements associated with removing iron and manganese from groundwater supplies. Two of the most commonly used removal mechanisms in iron and manganese removal include: oxidation, precipitation and filtration; and, adsorption. This paper focuses on the use of the adsorption removal mechanism to design facilities that achieve effective removal at loading rates of greater than 8 gallons per minute/square foot. Includes 2 references, tables, figures.