AWWA ACE90130

A study was performed to evaluate the application of a Point-of-Use Fine Mesh Activated Carbon Fixed Bed Adsorber (POU-FAC-FBA) for removing radon and radon decay products from drinking water. Two experimental studies were performed using different water sources to determine the radon adsorption/decay steady state performance for three different designs of POU devices. Results of these studies were used to evaluate the ability to model the performance of a POU-FAC-FBA using a first order rate kinetics equation and determine which factors would effect the steady state decay constant (Kss). Actual measurements of gamma exposure rates from the POU devices were made under a variety of test conditions and found to compare well to predicted values from an EPA computer program called "CARBDOSE." This program was also used to estimate the amount of 210Pb activity per gram of FAC (dry weight) in the filter for waste disposal considerations. Based on these results, it was found that a POU-FAC-FBA could be used under normal operation for reducing the ingestion risk associated with radon in water at relatively high influent levels (i.e. up to 95-99% occurrence level) without experiencing problems associated with unsafe gamma exposure rates emitted from the POU device. Furthermore, the disposal of the filter after use would not be a problem because of the low levels of 210Pb activity per gram of FAC. However, it should be noted that a POU device will not reduce the inhalation risk associated with release of radon from water into household air from the shower or toilet. Therefore, at high radon levels in drinking water, a POE device (aeration and/or GAC) should be used to treat the water supply entering the house to reduce both inhalation and ingestion risks associated with radon in water.

Product Details

Published:

01/01/1990

ISBN(s):

0898675561

Number of Pages:

36

File Size:

1 file , 1.1 MB