Removal of radionuclides using conventional iron and manganese removal equipment - a pilot study

Aim of the study

The study was aimed to examine the usability of different Fe and Mn removal equipment to remove natural radionuclides from drinking water. The aim was also to study which techniques are potential for further studies and whether any technical changes could be maintained to improve the removal efficiencies.

Implementation

The efficiency of Fe and Mn removal equipment to remove natural radionuclides (²²²Rn, ²²⁶Ra, ^234,238U, ²¹⁰Pb and ²¹⁰Po) from drinking water was examined at 12 private homes whose drilled well water was permanently used throughout the year and contained some amounts of natural radionuclides. Water samples were collected three times to observe the possible variations in radionuclide contents of raw water and in the removal efficiencies. The operation of Fe and Mn removal equipment available on the Finnish market were based on aeration and filtration, manganese greensand filtration or ion exchange.

Dissemination and exploitation of the results

The project provides data which can be utilised in planning work of simultaneous removal of Fe, Mn and natural radionuclides from drinking water in private homes and waterworks. An article in a scientific journal is written.

Publications

Vesterbacka P, Salonen L. Pilot study of radionuclide removal. Using conventional iron- and manganese-removal equipment. Journal – American Water Works Association 2008; 100 (7): 24–29.

Vesterbacka P, Salonen L. A case study on removal of natural radionuclides from drinking water using conventional iron and manganese removal equipment. Vatten 2008; 64: 183-191.

Collaborators

No collaborators outside STUK.

Timetable

2008

Responsible scientists

Pia Vesterbacka

Page updated 27/05/2009