Which substances are commonly removed by the process of aeration in water treatment?

Aeration is a crucial process in water treatment that is primarily used to improve water quality by removing certain undesirable substances. One of the main functions of aeration is to facilitate the removal of gases dissolved in water, such as radon and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs).

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can be dissolved in groundwater; when water is aerated, the increased surface area and agitation help to release radon into the air, thereby reducing its concentration in the water. Similarly, volatile organic chemicals, which can be present in various water sources due to industrial activities, can also escape into the atmosphere during aeration. This process leverages the principle that these substances have a higher tendency to exist in a gaseous state than in dissolved liquid form.

In contrast, other substances listed have different removal processes. Heavy metals and salts generally require techniques like precipitation, ion exchange, or reverse osmosis. Pathogens and bacteria are often addressed through disinfection methods, such as chlorination or UV treatment, rather than by aeration. Lastly, nutrients and minerals, while important for water quality, typically require processes such as biological treatment or filtration to be effectively removed. Thus, the primary focus of aeration is indeed on the removal of gases