Arsenic filter
There are at least five ways to remove arsenic from drinking water. The adsorption method, the coagulation-flocculation method, the surface complexation method, a Kanchan arsenic filter, or removal by oxidation.
Adsorption: Magc-Alcan filter and Shapla filter
The Magc-Alcan is a two bucket filter. The buckets are in series and both filled with an American-made activated alumina media. The media has been developed by MAGC Technologies and Alcanof US; and it is produced by thermal dehydration (at 250-1150°C) of an aluminium hydroxide. The Magc-Alcan filter removes arsenic by adsorption (adhesion or sticking together) of the arsenic to the enhanced activated alumina which is porous and has a high surface area. Removal rates can be sensitive to varying pH levels, so additional equipment may be required to control pH levels.
A similar filter called “Nirmal Filter” also exists in India. It uses arsenic adsorption on an Indian-made activated alumina and it is followed by filtration through a ceramic candle. It is less expensive than a Magc-Alcan filter ($10-15 capital cost) but it needs to be regenerated every 6 months. Efficiency: 80-90% arsenic removal.
The Shapla filter is an earthen household arsenic removal technology developed by International Development Enterprises (IDE), Bangladesh. It is based on adsorption (adhesion or sticking together) of the arsenic to the iron on the coated brick chips, which works as well as iron coated sand. The bricks are coated by treatment with a ferrous sulphate solution (Ahmed, 2005). The filter can hold up to 30 litres of water. As water passes through the filter, arsenic from the water is rapidly adsorbed by the iron on the brick chips. The media (20 kg) filters 4,000 litres of arsenic-contaminated water reducing arsenic concentrations to undetectable levels and supplying an average family with 25-32 litres of safe drinking water per day.
Coagulation-Flocculation: Bucket Treatment Unit (BTU) and 2-Kolshi filter
The Bucket Treatment Unit has been developed within the DPHE-Danida project. It consists of oxidation (loss of electrons of As(III) to form As(V)) and coagulation (clumping of particles to promote sedimentation) processes using potassium permanganate and aluminum sulphate respectively. The water is then filtered through cloth into a second bucket that contains a sand filter. The BTU can be constructed from locally available materials.
2-Kolshi is an arsenic removal method using two buckets. The first step is a coagulation process using a specific amount of iron sulphate and enough sodium hypochlorite to create a distinctive chlorine odour upon stirring in a normal bucket of water, followed by a filtration in a ceramic filter. The 2-Kolshi technique oxidizes As(III) to As(V) by stirring the water, co-precipitates As5+ with iron chloride and ash, and then it filters the water to remove the formed particles.
Coagulation/filtration is a traditional treatment process that adds a chemical coagulant (typically iron sulfate or iron chloride) to contaminated water. The coagulant modifies the physical or chemical properties of dissolved or suspended contaminants so that they settle from solution by gravity or can be removed by filtration. As part of the coagulation process, arsenic is co-precipitated with the iron. The stirring process helps to build the flocs into larger particles.
Surface complexation: Sono filter
The Sono Filter is a three bucket system with a composite iron matrix (CIM) as the active arsenic removal component. It creates surface complexation of arsenic on the CIM followed by a filtration. The filter is manufactured from indigenous materials and it works without chemical treatment, without regeneration, and without producing toxic waste. It is efficient to remove arsenic and 22 other heavy metals as well as bacteria.
Kanchan arsenic filter
The Kanchan Arsenic Filter (KAF) is an adaptation of the biosand filter. The KAF has been designed to remove arsenic from drinking water, in addition to providing microbiological water treatment. Arsenic removal is achieved by incorporating a layer of rusty nails in the diffuser basin of the filter.
Passive and solar oxidation
Passive oxidation is based on oxidation mechanisms of iron compounds that naturally reduce the arsenic content of groundwater. Naturally occurring dissolved Fe(OH)2 in the groundwater undergoes a natural chemical process called oxidation (when an element loses electrons) to produce a solid form or precipitate of Fe(OH)3 which attracts arsenic to stick to it, a process called adsorption (Ahmed, 2002). This adsorption produces a co-precipitate of Fe(OH)3 and arsenic that settles to the bottom of the container thereby removing the arsenic from the water. This technology does not require chemicals, but rather is based on the passive oxidation process and subsequent sedimentation.
Passive oxidation is seen as an easy technology, because of the natural habits of rural people to store their water in pitchers, before they drink it. Nevertheless, its performance at removing arsenic at safe levels has not been proven.
The SORAS (Solar Oxidation and Removal of Arsenic) method is similar to the SODIS one but with use of lemon juice. Sunlight as a source of UV causes the oxidation (loss of electrons) of As(III) to As(V). The resulting As(V) is strongly attracted to iron hydroxides particles present in the water and sticks to these particles. The As(V)/Fe(OH)3 co-precipitate then settles to the bottom of the container.
SORAS removes arsenic in a two-step procedure:
- First step: As(III), which only weakly adsorbs to iron hydroxides, is oxidized to the strongly adsorbing As(V).
- Second step: Fe(III) hydroxide precipitates formed from naturally present iron are allowed to settle to the bottom of the container with the adsorbed As(V) and the clear water is decanted.
Instead of adding chemical oxidants such as chlorine or permanganate, reactive oxidants are produced photo chemically with sunlight.
Construction, operations and maintenance
Adsorption: Magc-Alcan filter
- Place two buckets (with taps) filled with activated alumina media in series using a stand.
- Place a safe water container after the second tap.
- Pour water in the top bucket with all of the taps open.
Adsorption: Shapla filter
- Pour the water into the filter and allow it to pass through the filter medium.
- The used filter media is non-toxic and can be disposed of safely without danger to the environment or human health.
- The media container is re-useable and easily maintained.
Coagulation-Flocculation: Bucket Treatment Unit (BTU)
The unit consists of a two bucket system. The upper bucket is filled with raw water. Chemicals are added and the water is stirred fast for approximately 25 seconds with a wooden spoon provided with the unit.
Recommended chemical doses are (Tanhura et al.):
- 200 mg/L aluminum sulphate
- 2 mg/L of potassium permanganate
The mixture is then allowed to settle for 1-2 hours. The tap is then turned on so that the water can pass through a cloth screen and a sand filter in the lower bucket.
Coagulation-Flocculation: 2-Kolshi filter
- Add ENPHO chemical (iron sulphate, sodium hypochlorite and ash) to a bucket of water
- Stir water for a few minutes
- Let settle for one hour
- Pass the water through a ceramic filter
Surface complexation: Sono filter
Each bucket has different media and functions:
- Top bucket: 3 kg iron filings and 2 kg coarse sand
- Middle bucket: 2 kg fine sand, 1 kg of wood charcoal and brick chips
- Bottom bucket: water collection container
The water first flows through the coarse river sand and a composite iron matrix (CIM). The water flows into a second bucket where it again filters through coarse river sand, then wood charcoal to remove organics, and finally through fine river sand and brick chips to remove fine particles and stabilize water flow.
Kanchan arsenic filter
The filter container can be constructed out of concrete or plastic. The container is about 0.9 m tall and either 0.3 m square or 0.3 m in diameter. The container is filled with layers of sieved and washed sand and gravel (also referred to as filter media). There is a standing water height of 5 cm above the sand layer. As in slow sand filters, a biological layer of microorganisms (also known as the biolayer or schmutzedecke) develops at the sand surface, which contributes to the water treatment. The diffuser basin is filled with 5 to 6 kg of non-galvanized iron nails for arsenic removal. A layer of bricks on top of the nails prevents displacement of the nails when water is poured into the filter.
Contaminated water is poured into the top of the filter on an intermittent basis. The water slowly passes through the diffuser, and percolates down through the biolayer, sand and gravel. Treated water naturally flows from the outlet. The biolayer is the key pathogen removing component of the filter. Without it, the filter is significantly less effective. It may take up to 30 days to establish the biolayer depending on inlet water quality and frequency of use. The water from the filter can be used during the first few weeks while the biolayer is being established, but disinfection is recommended during this time, as during regular on-going use.
Much more information and details on the Kanchan arsenic filter: Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage Factsheet: Kanchan Arsenic Filter.
Oxidation: Passive
- Stir the water for 2 minutes
- Leave water overnight in an open container
Oxidation: Solar
- Fill PET (or other UV–A) transparent bottles with water
- Add lemon juice to bottles
- Place the bottled in the sunlight for 1-2 days
- During the night, place the bottles in vertical position
- The water can then be filtered through textile cloth or clay filters
Costs
Adsorption: Magc-Alcan filter
| Treatment Efficiency | Production | Cost | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magc-Alcan: 80-85% arsenic removal. Nirmal: 80-90% arsenic removal | 100 litres/hour | $35-50 capital cost | 6 months to 1 year |
Adsorption: Shapla filter
| Treatment Efficiency | Production | Cost | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80-90% arsenic removal | 25-32 litres/day | $10 capital cost. $10-15 media replacement cost/year | Short media lifespan (3-6 months) |
Coagulation-Flocculation: Bucket Treatment Unit (BTU)
| Treatment Efficiency | Production | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| ~ 60% arsenic removal | 20 litres/hour | $10 capital cost, $15-20 chemical cost/year |
Coagulation-Flocculation: 2-Kolshi filter
| Treatment Efficiency | Production | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 90% arsenic removal, 99% microbial removal | 3-5 litres/hour | $10 capital cost, $15-20 chemical cost/year |
Surface complexation: Sono filter
| Treatment Efficiency | Production | Cost | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90-95% arsenic removal | 20-30 litres per hour | $40-50 capital cost | Replace unit after 3-5 years |
Oxidation: Passive
| Treatment Efficiency | Production | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Typically 30 to 50% arsenic removal | No limit | Minimal cost |
Oxidation: Solar
| Treatment Efficiency | Production | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| If iron > 8 ppm, 75-90% arsenic removal. If iron < 5 ppm, <50 % arsenic removal. Excellent microbial removal (99+%) | No limit | Minimal cost |
Field experiences
The following projects make use of arsenic filtration:
 |
| |
 Ensure access to safe water and sanitation |
 Life-WASH |
 Intervention Efforts in WASH |
Acknowledgements
- Household Water Treatment for Arsenic Removal Fact Sheet: Adsorption. Raju Shrestha, Environment and Public Health Organisation, ENPHO.
- French Factsheet. CAWST.
- Household Water Treatment for Arsenic Removal Fact Sheet: Coagulation. CAWST. (French version).
- Household Water Treatment for Arsenic Removal Fact Sheet: Surface Complexation. CAWST.
- Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage Factsheet: Kanchan Arsenic Filter. CAWST.
