Drinking Water Operator Certification Training Module 22: Inorganics Removal Basics Revised May 4, 2018 This course module was developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Content sources are referenced at the end of every module unit. 1 2 DISCLAIMER: This module was designed as a training module for Pennsylvania drinking water operators to study prior to taking the drinking water subclass 9 ion exchange and greensand exam. The focus of this exam is the removal of inorganic constituents from drinking water using the treatment processes ion exchange or greensand filtration. As a result, this training module focuses on the treatment methods of ion exchange units and greensand filters. In addition, there is a focus on the removal of some of the inorganic contaminants common in Pennsylvania groundwater systems: nitrates, iron, and manganese. Since arsenic, barium and mercury, may sporadically be found in Pa. groundwater, treatment options for these contaminants will also be mentioned in this module. Because radionuclides, radon, and hydrogen sulfide may also be found in Pa groundwaters, they are also briefly mentioned. Water softening is also discussed. Note that since lead and copper treatment is covered in Module 20: Corrosion Control and Sequestering, treatment of those inorganic contaminants is not discussed in this module. The 2006 version of the Pa. DEP Inorganic Contaminant Removal module has detailed advanced treatment information on this topic and can be obtained by e-mailing the Pa. DEP Safe Drinking Water Training Section at
[email protected] to request a copy. This advanced module has additional information on the removal of various inorganic contaminants as well as on oxidation, ion exchange, activated alumina and sequestration.