What Are the Treatments for Hydrogen Sulfide Present in Drainage?

Hydrogen sulphide occurs naturally in wells and other sources of ground water and can create an unpleasant taste and odor in drinking water. The presence of hydrogen sulphide (or H2S) can corrode copper and silverware and can also stain laundry and porcelain. While H2S does not typically pose serious health risks, its effects on water's taste and potential to damage household items is a concern, and a number of filtration systems have been developed to remove it from drinking water.

Chlorination and Filtration

• Water chlorination will oxidize H2S present in the water system. Any remaining sulphide particles that were insoluble in water can then be removed with a filter. Filter systems can use sand, crushed anthracite or activated carbon to strain particles from the water supply. Activated carbon has the added effect of removing the chlorine taste left in the water by chlorination.

Aeration

• Aeration makes use of a ventilated storage tank. As contaminated water is sprayed into the tank, H2S gas is separated and drawn away by a ventilation system. This process will remove most H2S from water, but chlorination might still be necessary, and water treated by aeration may retain a slight sulphide odor.

Manganese Greensand Iron Filter

• A manganese greensand filter can remove low levels of H2S by oxidizing the contaminant, creating sulphide particles, which can then be filtered out. This method, while somewhat effective, requires more energy and maintenance than other alternatives and is generally considered inferior to chlorine feed systems.

Alternatives to Chlorine

• Other agents known to oxidize H2S are hydrogen peroxide, potassum permanganate and ozone. Any of these can be substituted in the chlorination process provided filtration is still used after they are added.