AWWA QTC97187

In July, 1991, EPA proposed a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for radon of 300 pCi/L. EPA has determined that the best available treatment technique for radon removal is aeration. Systems which have installed aeration treatment for radon or volatile contaminant removal have observed reductions in carbon dioxide and a corresponding increase in the treated water pH concurrent with the radon removal. Prior research has shown that there is a strong correlation between the removal efficiency of radon and carbon dioxide in aerated water. This suggests that carbon dioxide could serve as a surrogate monitoring and control parameter for radon. The purpose of this study was to develop a relationship between pH measurement on raw and aerated water and removals of carbon dioxide and radon for groundwater systems. A simple testing technique to monitor aeration treatment efficiency for carbon dioxide and radon removal was developed for use by pumping station operators to easily and quickly determine how well aeration treatment is working.