Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
CHAPTER 6
Specific Contaminant
Removal Methodologies
INTRODUCTION
This chapter summarizes information on the sources, health effects, and applicable
treatment technologies for contaminants of health concern. The information is pre-
sented for four categories of contaminants:
Inorganic
•
Organic
•
Radionuclides
•
Microbial
•
Applicable treatment technologies are identified in this chapter, with detailed infor-
mation on the treatment technologies presented elsewhere in this topic. Information
on the drinking water standards for these contaminants is presented in Chapter 5.
INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS
Inorganic constituents found in natural water are sometimes of concern, even in the
absence of sources of contamination. In some cases, contact with piping can contribute
inorganic contaminants, such as lead, copper, and asbestos. Although many of the
inorganic constituents are important to proper nutrition, high concentrations of con-
stituents such as arsenic, selenium, chromium, copper, molybdenum, nickel, zinc, and
sodium can have adverse health effects. Some are suspected carcinogens, such as lead,
arsenic, and cadmium. Some (sodium and barium) can cause high blood pressure.
Table 6-1 summarizes the applicable treatment technologies to remove inorganic con-
stituents of greatest concern.
1
The best available treatment technology shown in the
table has proven to be successful in meeting the MCL requirement at the SDWA.
ORGANIC CONTAMINANTS
The greatest source of organic constituents is the breakdown of naturally occurring
organic materials, such as humic materials, microorganisms and their metabolites, and
114
