Rio Tinto Alcan

The availability of suitable drinking water is becoming a more critical global problem. Identification of naturally-occurring contaminants and the detrimental health effects they cause in relatively low dosages, as well as environmental degradation due to pollution, industrial waste, extensive use of fertilizers and farm run off all contribute to the need for purification. New regulations around the world for arsenic and fluoride levels in potable water, coupled with remediation and environmental protection have expanded the use of activated alumina as an adsorbent as well as initiated improvement on old technology. Rio Tinto Alcan Specialty Aluminas is meeting the demand and taking the initiative to create the products to assist in meeting the stringent demands of sustainability. Potable Water Applications Rio Tinto Alcan Water Treatment Products are adsorbents which remove metal contaminants from water by a combination of chemisorption, physisorption and particulate or physical filtration. Activated alumina along with its enhanced forms with many adsorptive sites and high surface area, is the perfect choice for the adsorption of various unwanted minerals in water with proven results for arsenic, high levels of fluoride, copper, zinc, lead and phosphates. There is also the potential for chromium, silica, selenium and mercury reduction. Water Remediation Applications Storm Water Run Off: often comes in contact with metals and needs to be treated before re-entering the environment. AAFS50 is currently being used to treat run off at a number of locations for copper, zinc, lead, and phosphates. Locations currently treating storm water include metal recycling centers, metal storage yards and highway run off. Site Remediation: Rio Tinto Alcan products are being used in the clean up of sites that were contaminated in the past and need to be decontaminated. This includes retention ponds and contaminated aquifers. Ballast Water: zinc anodes in ballast t