Removal of arsenic from groundwater using reagent binding/membrane separation

A hybrid method incorporating selective polymeric binding and membrane separation was used for the removal of arsenic from contaminated groundwater. Two types of polymers, polyethylenimine (PEI) and poly-diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DADMAC) and an ultrafiltration membrane were used at various concentrations and pH. Bench-scale tests demonstrated a high degree of arsenic removal. The retention of arsenic was also determined in the presence of various background salts such as NaCl, NaNO3, Na2SO4, Na2CO3. Retention was found to depend on the concentration and type of anion present in solution.