posted on 2018-02-12, 15:08authored bySusan Addy, Ashok Gadgil, C.M. van Genuchten, L. Li
Bangladesh and neighbouring areas face health threats from drinking arsenic-contaminated groundwater. The challenge is to develop arsenic remediation that is (1) affordable to most of the local population, (2) robust and easy to maintain long term, (3) technically effective for removing arsenic down to 10 ug/L in the presence of other competing ions in the water, and (4) does not require hazardous chemicals or produce excess levels of arsenic-laden waste. Electrochemical Arsenic Removal (ECAR) uses a small DC current and ordinary steel electrodes to produce iron rust in the arsenic-contaminated groundwater that binds arsenic and can be removed by filtration. We describe performance results using synthetic and real groundwater and describe the design of a 100L reactor. We demonstrate low production of waste sludge that is non-hazardous according to US EPA standards, and show preliminary results of successful sludge stabilization in concrete. Finally we estimate the operating costs.
History
School
Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering
Research Unit
Water, Engineering and Development Centre (WEDC)
Published in
WEDC Conference
Citation
ADDY, S. ... et al, 2011. Locally-affordable arsenic remediation for rural South Asia using electrocoagulation. IN: Shaw, R.J. (ed). The future of water, sanitation and hygiene in low-income countries - Innovation, adaptation and engagement in a changing world: Proceedings of the 35th WEDC International Conference, Loughborough, UK, 6-8 July 2011, 8p.p.
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