Bromide removal by anion exchange was explored for various water qualities,
process configurations, and resin characteristics. Simulated natural waters containing
different amounts of natural organic matter (NOM), bicarbonate, chloride, and bromide
were treated with a magnetic ion exchange (MIEX) resin on a batch-basis to evaluate the
effectiveness of the resin for removal of bromide. Alkalinity (bicarbonate) and dissolved
organic carbon (DOC) were both shown to inhibit bromide removal in waters with bromide
concentrations of 100 and 300 µg/L. Water was also treated using a two-stage batch MIEX
process. Two-stage treatment resulted in only a slight improvement in bromide removal
compared to single-stage treatment, presumably due to competition with the high
concentration of chloride in the model waters. The effectiveness of polystyrene and
polyacrylic resins on DOC and bromide removal were compared by treating model waters
with MIEX, Ionac A-641 and Amberlite IRA910 resins. The two polystyrene resins, A-641
and IRA910, were seen to be more effective for bromide removal, while the MIEX resin was
more effective at removing DOC. Includes 22 references, table, figures.