Research Article Open Access

Removal of Hydrogen Sulphide from Water

S. Edwards, R. Alharthi and A.E. Ghaly

Abstract

Problem statement: The concentration of H2S in groundwater is a significant problem in various areas across Canada. Hydrogen sulphide dissolves in ground water imparting undesirable taste and irritating rotten egg smell which makes it unpalatable. Ingestion of sulphides through drinking water can result in stomach discomfort, nausea and vomiting. Humans exposed to high concentrations of H2S for prolonged periods show symptoms of gastro-intestinal upset, anorexia, nausea, somnolence, amnesia, loss of consciousness, delirium, hallucinations, difficulty in swallowing, low blood pressure, slowing of heart rate, double vision and epileptiform convulsions. Hydrogen sulphide in blood is rapidly oxidized by molecular oxygen and thus reduces the oxidation power of haemoglobin. Unoxidized hydrogen sulphide can act upon the central nervous system and cause either paralysis or respiratory failure. It is therefore, necessary to have a very low concentration of H2S in the water. Approach: An automatic system for the addition of KMnO4 and removal of hydrogen sulphide from ground water was developed and tested. The system consisted of a freshwater tank, a pump, a chemical storage tank, a solenoid valve, a photocell and electronic circuit, a drainage tank, a filter and a set of valves. It was possible to use a photocell to detect the presence of excess KMnO4 in the system and to control the addition of KMnO4 into the system. Results: The system accomplished complete removal of hydrogen sulphide in the range of 1-30 ppm. The present system utilizes on/off control for the addition of the chemical. The amount of KMnO4 needed as a percentage of the amount used was in the range of 5-28%. Conclusion: The photocell and circuit could be used to add an amount of chemical that is constantly proportional to the amount of hydrogen sulphide in the water. The control of a positive displacement chemical feed pump would be an ideal application for this system. The speed of the pump could be controlled in such a manner that would allow a very small excess amount of potassium permanganate to be maintained in the system.

American Journal of Environmental Sciences
Volume 7 No. 4, 2011, 295-305

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ajessp.2011.295.305

Submitted On: 16 August 2011 Published On: 26 August 2011

How to Cite: Edwards, S., Alharthi, R. & Ghaly, A. (2011). Removal of Hydrogen Sulphide from Water. American Journal of Environmental Sciences, 7(4), 295-305. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajessp.2011.295.305

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Keywords

  • Ground water
  • drinking water
  • greensand filter
  • H2S
  • KMnO4
  • photocell
  • solenoid valves
  • gastro-intestinal upset
  • hydrogen sulphide
  • potassium permanganate
  • meguma supergroup
  • lower turbidity