Investigation of Heavy Metal Removal in Different Units of Water Treatment Plant

Abstract

In this study, removal efficiency of heavy metals such as iron, manganese, copper and nickel were surveyed in various units of water treatment plant. Samples were taken from influent, before and after sedimentation and after filtration under standard condition. Concentration of heavy metals in each sample was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that removal efficiency of iron, manganese, copper and nickel were 71, 60, 79 and 40 percent, respectively. Experimental results currently showed low efficiency for the suitable removal of aluminium. So, the aluminium concentration in all the samples from the influent (2.03 mg l $^{-1}$ ) and effluent (2 mg l $^{-1}$ ) of the water treatment plant exceeded the EPA drinking water standard (50 μg l $^{-1}$ ). It is concluded that using conventional treatment technology can reduce metal concentrations except aluminium below internationally approved guidelines.