What We Treat
Metals
Metals Overview
Metals can originate from a variety of industrial sources: storage of raw materials, breakdown or dissolution of surface coatings, and other process-related and environmental background sources. When discharged to the environment, high levels of metals can be toxic to fish. For water users, high concentrations of metals can cause issues with color, plating, and other undesirable cross reactions.
How We Treat for Metals
Metals include dozens of individual elements, including alkali, alkali earth, transition, rare earth, and other metals. Some metals can be targeted directly while others require specific pre-treatment steps or removal in tandem with other parameters. A wide range of treatment solutions exist. Selection of a treatment process depends on the specific water quality targets and other co-contaminants present.
Important Factors We Consider in System Design:
- Ratio of total to dissolved metals
- Source of metal and any known chelating issues
- Competing metal reactions and affinity preferences
- Level of reduction required relative to influent & effluent targets
- Metal recovery & waste stream valorization
How We Treat for Metals
Metals include dozens of individual elements, including alkali, alkali earth, transition, rare earth, and other metals. Some metals can be targeted directly while others require specific pre-treatment steps or removal in tandem with other parameters. A wide range of treatment solutions exist. Selection of a treatment process depends on the specific water quality targets and other co-contaminants present.
Important Factors We Consider in System Design:
- Ratio of total to dissolved metals
- Source of metal and any known chelating issues
- Competing metal reactions and affinity preferences
- Level of reduction required relative to influent & effluent targets
- Metal recovery & waste stream valorization
