Arsenic removal by small-scale reverse osmosis units

Arsenic removal by small-scale reverse osmosis units

Over the past three decades, the occurrence of high concentration of arsenic (As) in drinking water has been recognized a severe global public-health concern (Bhattacharya et al. 2002, Mandal and Suzuki 2002, Ng et al. 2003). The global As-contamination scenario has
changed considerably in recent years, with the discovery of new As affected sites. The delayed health effects of exposure to As, the lack of common definitions and of local awareness, as well as poor reporting in affected areas are all major problems in determining the extent of
the arsenic-in-drinking-water problem (WHO 2008).

Arsenic is one of the most toxic elements that exists. Humans may be exposed to As through food, water and air. Particularly, As exposure caused by groundwater used for drinking in different parts of the world has emerged as an issue of great concern. Its adverse effects depend strongly on the dose and duration of exposure. Specific dermatological effects are characteristic of chronic exposure to As. Dermatological features are melanosis (pigmentation) and keratosis (rough dry papular skin lesions). Chronic exposure to As may also cause
reproductive, neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory hepatic, haematalogical and diabetic effects in humans (National Research Council 1999). Inorganjc As can cause skin, bladder and lung cancer (National Research Council 2001).

In most cases there may be a variety of technology options that can provide communities with sustainable and cost-effective safe drinking water. However, in all cases, the technologies should meet several basic technical and socioeconomic criteria such as:
• Production of the required water quality and quantities;
• Robustness and operational safety;
• No adverse effect on the environment;
• Economic feasibility;
• Institutional capacity (production and delivery of materials, training etc.);
• Social acceptance.

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