Which regulated substances can be effectively removed through aeration?

Which regulated substances can be effectively removed through aeration?

• A. Hardness minerals
• B. Radon and volatile organic chemicals
• C. Pathogenic bacteria
• D. Chlorine and chloramines

Answer: (B)

Aeration is a water treatment process that introduces air into water to facilitate the removal of certain dissolved substances. The effective removal of radon and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) through aeration occurs because these substances can change from liquid form to vapor form when air is introduced. Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, readily evaporates from water into the air during aeration. Similarly, VOCs, which are organic compounds that can easily become vapors or gases, are removed through this process as they escape into the atmosphere during the aeration phase. This makes aeration a suitable method for targeting these specific contaminants, enhancing water quality and safety. In contrast, other options like hardness minerals are typically addressed through different methods such as ion exchange or lime softening, as they do not evaporate. Pathogenic bacteria require disinfection methods such as chlorination or ultraviolet treatment rather than aeration for effective removal, and chlorine and chloramines are usually removed by processes that involve either chemical reactions or adsorption, rather than simply by aeration. Hence, the focus of aeration on effectively removing radon and VOCs underlines why this answer is the best choice.

Aeration is a water treatment process that introduces air into water to facilitate the removal of certain dissolved substances. The effective removal of radon and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) through aeration occurs because these substances can change from liquid form to vapor form when air is introduced.

Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, readily evaporates from water into the air during aeration. Similarly, VOCs, which are organic compounds that can easily become vapors or gases, are removed through this process as they escape into the atmosphere during the aeration phase. This makes aeration a suitable method for targeting these specific contaminants, enhancing water quality and safety.

In contrast, other options like hardness minerals are typically addressed through different methods such as ion exchange or lime softening, as they do not evaporate. Pathogenic bacteria require disinfection methods such as chlorination or ultraviolet treatment rather than aeration for effective removal, and chlorine and chloramines are usually removed by processes that involve either chemical reactions or adsorption, rather than simply by aeration. Hence, the focus of aeration on effectively removing radon and VOCs underlines why this answer is the best choice.