Use of a stable carbon isotope to assess the efficiency of a drinking water treatment method with CO₂

Water Sci Technol. 2012;65(6):983-8. doi: 10.2166/wst.2012.008.

Abstract

CO₂ gas with a special isotopic signature (δ¹³C = -35.2‰ vs. VPDB) was used as a marker to evaluate the efficiency of a drinking water treatment method and the effect of an ultrasonic (US) stirrer. This treatment was developed to prevent precipitation and corrosion effects in water-supply systems. The research work was performed using a laboratory-scale pilot plant that was filled with tap water. The stable isotope analyses of δ¹³C-DIC (Dissolved Inorganic Carbon) in the water samples indicated that the maximum content of added CO₂ gas in DIC was in the range of 35 to 45%. The use of the US stirrer during the entire experiment decreased the method's overall efficiency by 10%, due to degassing at a late stage of the experiment but accelerated the dissolution process in the early experimental stage.

MeSH terms

  • Carbon Dioxide / chemistry*
  • Carbon Isotopes
  • Pilot Projects
  • Water Purification / instrumentation*
  • Water Purification / methods*
  • Water Supply / analysis*
  • Water Supply / standards

Substances

  • Carbon Isotopes
  • Carbon Dioxide