Pilot Study of Radionuclide Removal: Using Conventional Iron‐ and Manganese‐removal Equipment

Abstract

This article discusses a pilot study that examined the feasibility of using Fe‐ and Mn‐removal equipment to remove natural radionuclides from drinking water. The goal was also to identify removal techniques that should be studied further, and to specify whether any technical changes should be made to improve removal efficiencies. The study concluded that, although removals of various nuclides are not always complete, removal may be sufficient to meet regulatory requirements. Using aeration and filtration equipment, 222Rn removal was often insufficient because of high 222Rn concentrations, and because an insufficient amount of air was applied with the removal equipment. Removal of 226Ra using manganese greensand filtration and a cation exchanger was efficient, and 238U removal was efficient using an anion exchanger.