Arsenic-Free Drinking Water Powered by Bacteria
R.C. Goedhart (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)
D. van Halem – Promotor (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)
M.K. de Kreuk – Promotor (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)
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Abstract
This doctoral research investigates the role of biological processes in arsenic removal during groundwater treatment. The study demonstrates that naturally occurring bacteria can effectively oxidise As(III) to As(V), enhancing arsenic adsorption onto iron and manganese oxides in sand filters. Laboratory and full-scale experiments showed that biological arsenic oxidation can substantially improve treatment performance without additional chemical dosing. The research also explores anoxic iron removal through mineral precipitation, demonstrating the potential to recover iron as vivianite and reduce sludge production. Together, the findings provide new strategies for more efficient, robust, and circular groundwater treatment.