Letter 15307

Boron Removal Using Ion Exchange [Canada] 

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I am looking for detailed information about Boron removal from waste water - specifically, the borates produced from Borax.

We are thinking along the lines of ion exchange with Dowex or Amberlite resins to get the level below 10 ppm. All my research so far points to this as the only viable, albeit expensive option. My questions are:
1) what do you do with the boric acid crystals that are precipitated from the regeneration rinsewater?
2) how much does it cost to implement ion exchange filter?

Paul S [last name purged for privacy due to age of posting]
- Kingsville, ON, Canada

We have worked on several boron projects,using both boron selective medias, and also close-looping the boron containing flow in order to remove boron from discharges. There are boron-selective resins that can be used to remove boron to < 1 mg/L, but they are very expensive and have a low capacity.

If the boron is > 25% of the total anion present, then a strong base resin may be a better choice.

It is difficult to crystallize the boric acid as you suggest, because it first needs to be supersaturated. The solubility of boric acid vs. temperature would appear to make this easy, but the low capacity of the boron-selective resin can makes this difficult.

Lyle Kirman
water treatment systems - Cleveland, Ohio

Selective resins for boron removal are available. They are extremely efficient and produce a residual boron level of a few ppb in the treated water.

They are applicable for drinking water treatment as well as industrial applications.

François de Dardel
- Paris, France

I have same questions and before I found that message I posted a new post. I just finished my PhD and I'm living in Turkey and in Eskisehir (the biggest Boron Ores Mines) and our old technology factories causes waste water problems. I wish to work on removing them using membranes. I'm open for all kind of suggestions

S.Eren O [last name purged for privacy due to age of posting]
Anadolu University - eskisehir

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Ed. note: Readers who wish to answer, please do so. Readers who are looking for answers please see our FAQ on waste water treatments for boron. It lists the more than 20 threads on this topic that are on line here.

I have two dear friends who have moved to Comptche, CA.

And as they understand that it is difficult to grow a garden there because of the Boron in the Well Water.

If someone knows the answer for removal or a way around let me know.

Pamela Hunter
student - Caspar, CA, USA

Dear Pamela,

Please warn your friend NOT to use the well water as it is contanimated with Boron. Boron has been know to cause low fetal weight and also antrophy of the male and female sexual organs. Please be very careful.

Alex Soong
- Malaysia

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