Water quality and quantity are some of the biggest challenges humanity is facing. It is of great importance to find alternative sources of drinking water, such as sulfur water. In this review, a methodological analysis is made of the technologies available for the removal of sulfur in water for human consumption. The results of this investigation include naturally occurring sulfur water as well as well as the ones resulting from human activities; as well as laboratory, pilot, and industrial scale technologies. Most of them exceed 90% efficiency. However, the concentrations treated in each study are different, some evaluate concentrations below the regulatory limit (250 mg / L WHO, EPA), while others evaluate concentrations much higher, but required previous treatments. The technologies with higher energy requirements have better removal efficiencies but are more expensive; while biological treatments, with lower energy and material requirements, are less expensive but require higher contact times and depend on the season of the year and / or environmental conditions. Finally, adsorption removal technologies’ requirements and costs lay in between. Although there are possible methodologies for the removal of sulfur from water, there is room for a methodology that complies with being effective, economical, fast, and that works in a wide range of concentrations.

Technologies for the removal of sulfates in water for human consumption: A review

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.