Magnetic filtration/adsorption process for iron and manganese removal from drinking water

IEC 228

Matthew D. Fleahman, Environmental Engineering and Science, Clemson University, 342 Computer Court, Anderson, SC 29625-6510 and James D. Navratil, Department of Environmental Engineering and Science, Clemson University, Clemson Research Park, 342 Computer Courte, Anderson, SC 29625.
Improved and less expensive drinking water treatment methods are required in many countries where high amounts of metal contaminates, such as iron and manganese, are present. This work involves the development of a new and inexpensive magnetic filtration/adsorption technology for purifying water supplies. This nanolevel high gradient magnetic separation process is based on the use of a supported surface complex adsorbent such as natural magnetite (FeO.Fe2O3) in a fixed bed mode. Due to its ferromagnetic property, magnetite can be used not only as an adsorbent for removing toxic metals from solution, but also as a magnetically energizable element for attracting and retaining paramagnetic nanoparticles, thus removing them from solution. In such a system, the inexpensive magnetite serves as a metal ion adsorbent, high gradient magnetic filter, or both, depending on the characteristics of the aqueous stream to be purified. This paper will review results to date on removing iron and manganese from water using the magnetic filtration/adsorption process.