Urbanization and water demand in areas of industrial activity has increased the frequency of problem metals in groundwater sources used for both drinking (potable) needs as well as industrial (non-potable) processes.  

Groundwater used for drinking water applications is typically found in aquifers and wells.  In these cases, some small quantities of certain heavy metals are actually acceptable because they are nutritionally essential for a healthy life, but large amounts 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.  

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

Groundwater used for non-potable applications, such as feed to an industrial and/or manufacturing process, also requires attention and removal of dissolved metals.  In addition to the concerns already stated for human health and the environment, metal removal occurs in industrial applications in order to meet influent water quality requirement needed by the manufacturing process and equipment. 

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 and removal system, each containing contaminant-specific treatment resins.  Alternatively, activated carbon has also proven effective for adsorption of certain metals from contaminanted sources.

Siemens Water Technologies offers a service-based treatment option for handling dissolved metals contamination. For non-potable applications, our Wastewater Ion Exchange (WWIX) approach integrates equipment and service option combinations, thereby minimizing a plant’s capital investment and reduces overall space requirements.  The system vessels are selected based upon available manpower, space limitations, access limitation and the specific water quality required.  Based on the particulars of the contaminant to be removed and inlet quality requirements, we have access to a variety of ion exchange resins and other removal medias, such as activated carbon.  Wastewater 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, DOT-compliant vessels and returned to service. For non-potable applications, exhausted vessels are transferred to our central treatment and processing facility where the hazardous/non-hazardous contaminants are removed from the media/resin for reuse. 

For waters destined for potable use and drinking water applications, Siemens offers Potable Ion Exchange (PIX) Service.  PIX utilizes potable ion exchange resin canisters for the removal of organic and inorganic contaminants in surface and groundwater sources to meet drinking water standards. Each application is examined to determine the system configuration that best meets current and future needs.  Once the treatment media is spent, or reaches the end of it's useful life, the potable canisters are removed from the site and delivered to a local regeneration facility for destruction and/or landfill.

Both WWIX and PIX minimize 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.
 

Dissolved Metals Removal Technologies for Your Groundwater Remediation  Applications

Ion Exchange
Activated Carbon Adsorption