Ion exchange for the remediation of perchlorate-contaminated drinking water

摘要

This research investigated the use of the ion exchange process for the treatment of perchlorate-contaminated drinking water. Fifteen commercially available resins from five manufacturers were tested. Computer models were used to evaluate treatment options, some of which were not typical ion exchange applications. Three treatment approaches emerged as viable options to reduce perchlorate to concentrations below proposed maximum contaminant levels: (1) partial exhaustion-regeneration using polyacrylic resins, with a process similar to current nitrate treatment techniques, (2) partial exhaustion-regeneration using polystyrene resins with elevated temperature regeneration, and (3) use of highly selective resins for perchlorate with resin replacement following exhaustion. Water suppliers can use this information to help determine which ion exchange treatment option will most efficiently remove perchlorate from their drinking water sources. Selecting the best option requires water quality information (i.e., concentration of major and minor anions) as well as site-specific information (i.e., access to brine disposal).