Arsenic in Water: Testing and Treatment Options
Quick answer: how is arsenic removed from water?
Arsenic treatment depends on the arsenic species, concentration, pH and competing water chemistry. Adsorptive media, oxidation followed by adsorption/filtration, coagulation-based treatment and reverse osmosis may be used depending on the application.
Why arsenic must be tested specifically
Arsenic cannot be identified from TDS, taste or colour. A laboratory analysis is required for reliable assessment.
Why arsenic form matters
Different arsenic species do not behave identically in treatment. In some processes, oxidation of arsenic to a more readily removable form is part of the treatment sequence.
Common treatment approaches
- Arsenic-selective adsorption media
- Oxidation plus adsorption or filtration
- Coagulation/filtration in larger systems
- Reverse osmosis where appropriate
What should be checked?
- Total arsenic and, where needed, arsenic speciation
- pH
- Iron and manganese
- Phosphate, silica and other competing ions
- TDS/conductivity
- Required flow and treated-water quality
Frequently asked questions
Can activated carbon remove arsenic?
Standard activated carbon should not be assumed to remove arsenic reliably unless the media is specifically designed and validated for that purpose.
Can RO reduce arsenic?
RO may reduce arsenic, but rejection can depend on arsenic form and operating conditions.
Can arsenic be detected with a TDS meter?
No. A TDS meter cannot identify arsenic.
See ABHIRO’s arsenic-removal media product page, Water Test Report Guide and Knowledge Centre.
