ArsenXnp, a novel hybrid (i.e., inorganic/organic) sorbent, has been developed by
SolmeteX, Inc. to combine the arsenic affinity of an iron-based media with the
ruggedness of a polymeric ion exchange resin bead. ArsenXnp consists of spherical,
porous, polymeric anion exchanger beads within which hydrous iron oxide nano-particles
have been uniformly and irreversibly dispersed. The size of the polymeric beads ranges
from 300 to 1200 microns in diameter and they typically contain around 25% elemental
iron based on dry weight. The ArsenXnp sorbent utilizes well-established iron chemistry
in combination with conventional ion exchange processes to adsorb arsenic species from
water with minimal competition from other anions, such as sulfate, bicarbonate and
chloride. Additionally, the durable nature of the polymer substrate makes ArsenXnp more
convenient to handle compared to friable iron-based sorbents like GFH and E33.
ArsenXnp has been certified by the National Sanitary Foundation (NSF) for potable water
use and is NSF-61 compliant. Recently, an iron-impregnated cation exchange sorbent has
also been developed, but showed only a limited arsenic capacity in model water
(DeMarco et al. 2003). The purpose of this study was to perform field and laboratory
based evaluations of ArsenXnp for the removal of arsenic from drinking waters using
packed bed systems. Specific objectives included: characterization of physico-chemical
properties of ArsenXnp; evaluation of arsenic treatability in pilot testings;
implementation of rapid small-scale column tests (RSSCTs) to simulate pilot column
performance; and, estimation of arsenic desorption under several regeneration
conditions and to determine the regeneration potential. A series of laboratory and field
based batch and column experiments were carried out to accomplish the above-mentioned
objectives.
Includes 38 references, tables, figures.