Pilot plant studies were conducted on the removal of fluoride and arsenic from potable water using activated alumina as the adsorbent. The tests were run using water from the community of Why, Arizona, that contained 3 mg/L fluoride and 0.15 mg/L arsenic. The experimental data show that activated alumina is an effective means of treating this water. Major facts shown by the data are that: (a) arsenic is preferentially adsorbed on the activated alumina, (b) a stronger sodium hydroxide solution (4%) is required during regeneration of the activated alumina for arsenic than is required for fluoride (1%), and (c) the capacity of the alumina for removing fluoride is decreased by any arsenic remaining in the alumina. The pilot studies indicate that the preferred method of treating water with these combined contaminants is the use of two activated alumina columns in series. A schematic of a full-sized treatment plant is included, along with engineering estimates of operating and capital equipment costs for small communities. Operating costs are approximately 5 cents/kL of treated water. (19 cents/1000 gal.)

Includes bibliographical references (page 20). Prepared for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory, Cincinnati, Ohio, submitted by the Rubel and Hager, Inc., and Aluminum Company of America, under contract no. Contract Number: 68-03-1351.