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The tendency for iron solid surfaces to adsorb arsenic is well-known and has become the basis for several drinking water treatment approaches that remove arsenic. It is reasonable to assume that iron-based solids, such as corrosion deposits present in drinking water distribution systems, have similar adsorptive properties and could therefore concentrate arsenic and potentially re-release it into the distribution system. The arsenic composition of solids collected from drinking water distribution systems (pipe sections and hydrant flush solids), where the waters had measurable amounts of arsenic in their treated water, were determined. The elemental composition and mineralogy of 67 solid samples collected from 15 drinking water utilities located in Ohio (7), Michigan (7), and Indiana (1) were also determined. The arsenic content of these solids ranged from 10 to 13 650 microg of As/g of solid (as high as 1.37 wt %), and the major element of most solids was iron. Significant amounts of arsenic were even found in solids from systems that were exposed to relatively low concentrations of arsenic (<10 microg/L) in the water.

Dissolved inorganic contaminants in water can he cationic, anionic, or neutral forms of ions, atoms, or molecules of any element in the periodic table.All contaminant ions and most dissolved non-ions a Relatively insensitive to flow and total dissolved soli Low effluent concentration possible In reverse osmosis, bacteria and particles are removed as well DisadvantagesHigh capital and operating costs High level of pretreatment required Membranes are prone to fouling Rnim stream is M W % of feed flw

This second article of a series outlines specific treatment technology for arsenic and selenium removal from potable water. The first article, which appeared in the February 1978 issue of the JOURNAL, discussed fluoride and nitrate removal. Subsequent articles will review the treatment technology for the six other NIPDWR‐regulated inorganic contaminants and the radionuclides.

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