The need to purify water from hydrogen sulfide (H2S) arises when the liquid has a characteristic smell of rotten eggs. This situation cannot be ignored, since the gas poses a danger to household appliances and the body.
What is hydrogen sulfide
Hydrogen sulfide is the most active sulfur-containing compound with a colorless consistency.
The appearance of an impurity in the composition of drinking water practically does not change its color, but makes it sweetish. It is prohibited to consume such liquid.
Water purification from hydrogen sulphide
In most cases, hydrogen sulfide contaminates old wells, deep hydraulic structures and aquifers.
According to state sanitary standards (SanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01), the concentration of a substance in water should not exceed 0.03 mg / l. For sulfides, this norm is 3 mg / l.
To check the exact content of the component in the water, it is necessary to send a sample to the laboratory. To do this, the first liquid is poured into a sink for 10-15 minutes, and then it is drawn into a clean tank. The sample must be delivered to the specialists no later than 2 hours from the moment of collection.
Reasons for the appearance of hydrogen sulfide in water
Hydrogen sulfide in the well appears as a result of the multiplication of anaerobic bacteria that convert sulfides and sulfates to H2S. Such organisms live in an oxygen-free environment, so they can be found at the bottom of artesian wells in silt. The gas has a specific smell of rotting protein, is poisonous and can provoke a number of unpleasant consequences for the body.
Reasons for the appearance of hydrogen sulfide
Hydrogen sulfide appears as a result of the multiplication of anaerobic bacteria.
The main sources of H2S are:
Foreign organic components that end up in water during precipitation or floods.
Sulfide ore deposits that dissolve in water.
Signs indicating the presence of hydrogen sulfide in water
A key sign that hydrogen sulfide is present in the water is a characteristic rotten smell and sweetish aftertaste with a metallic aftertaste. But with a low gas content, it is problematic to feel it. However, excessive concentration of H2S can interfere with the normal functioning of the olfactory receptors, creating a false sense of the absence of an impurity.
If there is black sediment at the bottom of the water supply, this is another confirmation of the presence of hydrogen sulfide.
The exact concentration of a chemical compound in a liquid is determined in a laboratory way during bacteriological analysis.
Consequences of the influence of hydrogen sulphide
Water with an excess of hydrogen sulfide is highly toxic. At the same time, it becomes dangerous for both people and household appliances, such as a dishwasher or washing machine.
Per person
With prolonged inhalation of poisonous gas vapors and regular use of it together with drinking water, dangerous disorders develop in the body. Together with hemoglobin, hydrogen sulfide forms chemical compounds that cause oxygen deficiency.
When H2S enters the respiratory system, it provokes the following problems:
Dizziness and headache.
The onset of symptoms of poisoning.
Vision problems.
Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx.
Dizziness
Dizziness occurs if it enters the respiratory system.
The high concentration of the impurity paralyzes the taste and smell receptors. As a result, the person develops symptoms of bronchitis with blood sputum and conjunctivitis. In especially difficult cases, there are pulmonary edema, seizures, problems with consciousness, and even respiratory arrest.
For equipment
Being a weak acid, hydrogen sulfide solution quickly enters redox processes, provoking corrosion, the appearance of sulfides, sulfur and even corrosive acids. The component corrodes various metals from which pipes g ion resin water purifier are made (steel, copper, brass or iron), and also damages exposed parts of washing machines and other equipment that interacts with liquid.
When in contact with steel and iron, hydrogen sulfide causes the formation of "black water", or iron sulfide. This leads to darkening of silver surfaces and discoloration of copper.
How to choose a water purification system from hydrogen sulphide
To select an effective system for combating hydrogen sulphide impurities in water, you must first perform a liquid analysis.
To do this, it is worth preparing a sample and sending it to the laboratory. Based on the results obtained, it is necessary to find a suitable purification equipment.
Methods of water purification from hydrogen sulfide
Removal of hydrogen sulfide impurities from water is performed in different ways:
Physical. Includes aeration.
Physicochemical. Reduced to liquid sorption using catalytic activated carbon, manganese sand and other filter media.
Chemical, etc. It consists in the oxidation of a liquid with ozone and chlorine derivatives. For processing, sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide is used.
First aid
If you find a smell or taste of hydrogen sulfide in water, you need to carry out the following actions:
Get rid of silt at the bottom of the intake structure and pipe walls. Such processing must be performed once every 2 years.
Pump the well. This is a preventative method that often improves the composition and taste of the water.
Seal the pipeline or replace it.
Clean the water heater. In old units, scale gradually appears, which negatively affects the state of the liquid.
First aid
If a smell is detected, you need to pump the well.
The listed activities are easy to do with your own hands.
Aeration
Aeration reduces the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in water by 65-75%.
As a result, the liquid is saturated with oxygen, which reacts with H2S and splits it into 2 separate elements - sulfur and water. In addition, the process promotes the oxidation of manganese, ammonium and iron.
There are 2 types of aeration systems:
Non-pressure - are contact tanks with sprayers that work like a shower. Oxygen can be uniformly dissolved in water particles, interacting with most of the hydrogen sulfide. The system is equipped with a small compressor that mixes water and oxygen. After processing, oxidized impurities turn into a sludge, so the storage tank needs to be cleaned regularly.
Pressure - made in the form of static mixers or columns, inside of which oxygen is loaded.
Aeration
Aeration - air saturation.
The advantages of the method are related to its availability and efficiency. However, aeration equipment takes up a lot of room space and builds up an unpleasant odor.
Chemical
The method involves the introduction of a strong oxidizing agent into water. The following components are used as it:
Hydrogen peroxide. A harmless and effective oxidizing agent that breaks down hydrogen sulphide.
Sodium hypochlorite. Promotes the splitting of hydrogen sulfide to sulfuric acid and sulfur, followed by the transformation of organic compounds. The disadvantage of this method is the need to dilute the concentrate with exclusively purified water.
Ozone. It is generated from the air using special systems that interact with the water supply.
The technology is popular because of its high efficiency and safety, provided that all rules are followed by the user.
However, for water treatment it is often necessary to buy new reagents, which are not cheap.
Biochemical
The technology involves the use of special sulfobacteria. They lead to the removal of hydrogen sulfide impurities from the composition of water by oxidizing sulfur. The method belongs to the subtypes of chemical cleaning. Its downside is its high cost.
Biochemical technology
Biochemical technology - the use of special sulfobacteria.
Sorption
This category of cleaning systems is in demand due to its ease of use. Inside the filter there is a special cartridge with a sorption filling that absorbs hydrogen sulfide molecules.
However, the system is expensive and requires regular replacement of the activated carbon. In addition, the technology will not help to completely get rid of hydrogen sulfide, especially if its concentration exceeds 3 mg / l.
Choosing a filter for water purification from hydrogen sulfide
Proven systems can be used to effectively remove impurities in water. The listed models received positive customer reviews and expert recommendations.
"Rosvoda LP-13"
The aeration kit includes a Canature 1354 tank, an LP12 air compressor and a 13-14 drain and distribution equipment. In addition, the system includes an aeration head and a pressure regulator.
Rosvoda LP-13
"Rosvoda LP-13" - aeration kit.
The device is installed in water treatment systems of private houses and cottages. Due to its compatibility with common fine filters, it is universal. The water tank is capable of passing up to 2 m³ of water per hour of operation. The system pressure limit is 1 MPa, and the allowable temperature is 55 ° C.
After cleaning works, the iron content is reduced to 0.3 mg / l, and manganese - to 0.1 mg / l.
Since the body of the complex is made of composite materials, it is not afraid of corrosive processes. In addition, the model is characterized by high flow capacity and resistance to pressure surges. Any deviations are compensated by a special controller.
"Ecvols standard"
The system is designed for comprehensive pollution control, including hydrogen sulfide removal. The equipment includes an element for deferrization, a sorption filter and a reverse osmosis device.
The model is notable for its low cost, compact design and quiet operation. In terms of the spheres of operation, it belongs to the universal, because can remove impurities of iron, hydrogen sulfide and other organic impurities. Owners of country houses use the complex for cleaning wells, which contain a lot of magnesium and calcium.
The unit ensures reliable operation even under high loads and does not require frequent maintenance.
Diasel
Ready-made solutions from Diasel are aimed at the complete removal of hydrogen sulphide and other impurities from the liquid. Systems from this manufacturer differ in affordable cost and efficiency. The filter surface resembles a cell membrane in plants, which allows only water molecules to pass through, trapping various inclusions.
Diasel
Diasel - complete removal of hydrogen sulphide.
Kinetico PF
Kinetico PF units are manufactured in the USA and are designed for fine water treatment. Activated carbon is used as an active ingredient. It eliminates the taste and smell of hydrogen sulfide, and also effectively breaks down iron impurities. The device consists of a primary filtration mechanism, aeration chamber, a deferrization unit and a final purification module. The model can eliminate iron, hydrogen sulfide and other impurities in the water.
Iceberg
The filter allows you to quickly get rid of high concentrations of manganese, hydrogen sulfide and iron in the water. The role of the filter element is played by a catalytic material of organic origin. The device performs multi-stage liquid purification using reverse osmosis, ultraviolet rays, a deep and fine filter. As a result of processing, the drinking liquid is deprived of harmful impurities and toxins.
Iceberg
"Iceberg" is a filter that allows you to quickly get rid of hydrogen sulfide in water.
System for a country house "Ekodar"
With this unit, you can reduce the content of iron, manganese, harmful bacteria, hydrogen sulphide and impurities that impair the appearance and quality of water. The compact system includes an aeration column, an air compressor, filters for softening and fine cleaning, a hardness regulator. Its productivity is 1.5-3.5 m³ per hour of operation.
"Geyser - aeration and deferrization"
The device is designed for wells with increased water hardness. It effectively softens the liquid, cleaning it from hydrogen sulfide, salt deposits and iron. The model provides 5-stage processing using different technologies. The installation device includes a pressure aeration unit that supplies oxygen, an AP-2 compressor, a column and an adapter with an air valve, drainage and distribution equipment and a control unit.