Integrated ion exchange/catalytic process for efficient removal of nitrates from drinking water

A nitrate removal process that drastically reduces salt consumption and was te discharge has been developed on a bench scale. Nitrate is removed by chl oride ion-exchange, and the: strong-base anion resin is completely regenera ted at mild reaction conditions (i.e., ambient temperature, atmospheric pre ssure) in a closed circuit containing a single-flow fixed-bed reactor packe d with a Pd-Cu/gamma -Al2O3 catalyst. The combined treatment system avoids direct contact between the denitrification reactor and the water to be trea ted, and minimizes operational problems associated with each separate techn ique. No dissolution of Pd and Cu metallic phases was observed at the given operating conditions. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.