Increased urbanization and water demand in areas of industrial activity has increased the frequency of problem metals in groundwater sources.  In small quantities, certain heavy metals are nutritionally essential for a healthy life, but large amounts of any of them may cause acute or chronic toxicity (poisoning). Trace elements such as iron, copper, manganese, and zinc are commonly found naturally in foods we consume or as part of a vitamin supplement.  Heavy metals are also part of the manufacturing process of many common household items, such as pesticides, batteries, electroplated metal parts, textile dyes and steel, to name a few. 

The metals most often linked to human poisoning have links to learning disabilities; cancers and death are typically copper, nickel, cadmium, chrome, arsenic, lead and mercury.  Many of these metals are required by humans in trace amounts but in larger, persistent dosages, these heavy metals become toxic when they are not metabolized by the body and accumulate in the soft tissues. Heavy metal toxicity can result in damaged or reduced mental and central nervous function, lower energy levels, and damage to blood composition, lungs, kidneys, liver, and other vital organs.

The most commonly encountered toxic heavy metals include:

• Arsenic
• Lead
• Mercury
• Cadmium
• Iron
• Aluminum

Other heavy metals of concern include:

• Antimony
• Chromium/chrome
• Cobalt
• Copper
• Manganese
• Nickel
• Uranium
• Vanadium
• Zinc

Siemens can offer a wide range of treatment technologies depending on the specific contaminant to be reduced.

Ion exchange is a proven technology with effective treatment results for the removal of dissolved metals.  Siemens Water Technologies offers permanent, hard-piped ion exchange treatment systems containing contaminant-specific treatment resins, as well as removable systems.  Our service ion exchange approach integrates equipment and service option combinations, thereby minimizing a plant’s capital investment and reduces overall space requirements.  The system components are selected based upon available manpower, space limitations, access limitation and the specific water quality required.  Service ion exchange provides the ultimate flexibility to add or remove treatment capacity as your business grows or compliance limits change.  If needs change, we can simply change the media types and/or tank size, thereby saving our customers significant capital expense.

Once exhausted, the exchange vessels are removed and replaced with fresh, potable-use vessels and returned to service.  Exhausted vessels are transferred to our regional resin regeneration facilities for safe, compliant handling.  Service ion exchange minimizes the need for handling and on-site storage of chemicals and wastes for improved safety and compliance at your site. This option also saves valuable manufacturing space while minimizing your maintenance and installation requirements.

Activated carbon adsorption is an alternative treatment option for the removal of dissolved metals.  Siemens' offers activated carbon systems, both permanent, hard-piped, as well as removable adsorber systems.  We feature Westates® activated carbon medias, both virgin and reactivated. 

Environmental concerns, changing regulations and increasing costs associated with virgin-grade carbons are trending customers towards recycling rather than traditional landfill methods.  Carbon reactivation ends the responsibility or, “chain of custody” of the waste producer, thereby eliminating concerns of future liability.  The reactivation process recycles spent carbons into new activated carbon materials that continue to provide excellent performance in many treatment scenarios, including drinking water applications .  Siemens Water Technologies has over 20 years of experience in carbon reactivation and operates three reactivation facilities in the US serving both the East and West coasts for reactivation of spent carbon.

Dissolved Metals Removal Technologies for Your Drinking Water  Applications

Ion Exchange
Activated Carbon Adsorption
Media Filtration