GROUNDWATER

Seawater often contains suspended solids (TSS) in the form of algae, colloids, silts, and inorganic and organic matter that affect the clarity of the water. The range of TSS found in seawater is seasonally-influenced and varies based on the location of intake.

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This turbidity can be measured with a turbidimeter and is expressed in nephelometric turbidity units (NTU). Silt density index (SDI) is a common measurement of the fouling potential of suspended solids found in seawater. Sand filtration and multimedia filtration (anthracite) are common methods of removing TSS. W3Synergy also offers zeolite filtration as a more efficient means of media filtration providing 50 to 100% higher solids loading capacity.

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In some locations groundwater may have high concentrations of iron, manganese and/or hydrogen sulfide. A greensand media filter is an effective treatment to remove these constituents from the water. Whereas greensand is typically a silica sand core coated with manganese dioxide, w3Synergy uses a solid manganese dioxide media which lasts much longer than standard greensand.

 

Organic compounds including tannins (humic and fumic acids) can be found in groundwater pumped from wells screened closer to the surface. The presence of organic material can contribute to odor or color in the water. Odor is measured in TON and color is measured in color units. Granulated activated carbon (GAC) media is typically used to remove these types of organics from the water. GAC is also an effective method of removing manmade chemicals such as per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS).

 

“Softener” media containing ion exchange (IX) resin is used for groundwater containing high levels of hardness (caused by the presence of calcium and magnesium ions). In cases where arsenic concentrations exceed drinking water levels, selective IX resin is available from w3Synergy.  Selective IX resin is also available to remove PFAS.