ABSTRACT
In this keynote address, I will investigate how arsenic (As) removal relates to the removal of other commonly found groundwater contaminants, like iron, ammonium and manganese. These groundwater contaminants are typically found in concentrations 10–100 fold that of As, making them key drivers for technology operation and design, and as such also their sustainable adoptation. I conclude that past research has enhanced the understanding of As behavior during conventional groundwater treatment, particularly in that of aerated rapid sand filters. This has led to a wide range of new, engineered solutions for improved As removal, either with operational adjustments (e.g., supernatant water level, filter media) or more advanced technology integration (e.g., Fe(0)-electrocoagulation). These solutions are robust and attractive for (decentralized) sustainable application, because they do not require chemical pre-oxidation or post-treatment (e.g., adsorbents) and are able to co-remove other groundwater contaminants.
