Removal of Iron and Manganese Within the Aquifer Using Enhanced Riverbank Filtration Technique Under Arid Conditions

Abstract

Nowadays, riverbank filtration (RBF) technique is receiving more attention from drinking water suppliers in Egypt. An innovative design has been established to couple RBF and removal of Fe and Mn in situ. A preferential flow has been induced through constructing two sand filters crossing the upper clay layer. Continues monitoring for water quality indicators in RBF wells has revealed the potentiality of the design. The contents of Fe and Mn on average have been reduced with time. Detailed investigations of removal processes for Fe and Mn within the aquifer require long term monitoring. This innovative idea can be transferred along the Nile River where the clay layer exists and the already existing drinking water wells producing water of high iron and manganese contents. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2011.