986101 - The Harm of Arsenic to the Human Body and the Importance of Its Removal in Water (Student Poster 24)

Arsenic is one of the eight metals regulated under RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act). Arsenic can cause many health problems, including skin cancer, lung cancer, and bladder cancer. It is also known to be a cause of diabetes, pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases. The US EPA stipulates the limit for arsenic levels in the drinking water to 0.01 mg/l or 10 parts per billion (ppb). This research examined the efficacy of a novel one-enclosure type of physicochemical reaction-enabling water filters which included PAC (Powdered Activated Carbon), dehydrated corn husk, and Fe2O3as part of the filter makeup. Anthracite was also used for further sorption treatment and for physical support. The purposes and tasks of this study were accomplished in 2 main phases.