Learn the real-world chemistry, technologies, and design rules for removing iron and manganese from groundwater and surface water systems.

Course Description

This course is designed for engineers and operators who deal with iron and manganese contamination in water systems—whether in municipal treatment, mining, or industrial facilities.
The course explores practical techniques for identifying, oxidizing, and removing iron and manganese, focusing on oxidation/filtration methods, reactive media beds, and the use of oxidants like KMnO₄, Cl₂, O₃, and NaClO.
You'll learn how to distinguish between dissolved, particulate, and organically bound iron, evaluate greensand vs. pyrolusite, and assess when to use aeration, chemical oxidation, ion exchange, or sequestration. Design parameters such as flux rates, contact times, and oxidant dosing are also covered.
Whether you’re upgrading an existing plant or designing a new system, this course gives you the tools and knowledge to handle iron and manganese problems confidently.

Who Should Attend

Water Treatment Engineers | Municipal Water Operators | Mining Process Engineers | Industrial Water Designers | Environmental Engineers | Process Engineers | Regulatory and Compliance Specialists

Training Methodology

✔ Chemistry simplified: focus on reaction logic, not lab work

✔ Visual treatment flows and media comparisons

✔ Rules of thumb for media selection and oxidant dosing

✔ Real-world performance data from pilot and full-scale systems

✔ Instructor with practical project experience

Organizational Benefits

Improve treated water quality by reducing staining, taste, and equipment fouling
Optimize media and oxidant selection based on site-specific water chemistry
Reduce operating costs and avoid unnecessary chemicals or oversized systems
Avoid regulatory non-compliance by meeting Fe/Mn limits reliably
Extend media life and reduce downtime in reactive filtration systems

What You Will Learn

✔ How to identify iron/manganese species: dissolved, particulate, organic-bound

✔ When to apply sequestration vs. filtration

✔ How oxidation mechanisms vary (e.g., Cl₂, KMnO₄, O₃, air)

✔ How to select and size media like greensand, Pyrolox, and AD26

✔ Practical limits and dosages for oxidants like KMnO₄ and NaClO

✔ Contact time and flux considerations

✔ How to treat co-contaminants like arsenic and H₂S with the same systems

✔ How to deal with high-Q/high-C and low-Q/low-C waters

Seminar Outline (Highlights)

Iron & Manganese Chemistry • Regulatory limits and aesthetic issues • Fe and Mn forms: dissolved vs. particulate • Oxidation states and precipitation behavior • Organically-bound iron and its challenges
Oxidation Techniques • Oxidant strength comparison • Pre-oxidation with Cl₂, NaClO, KMnO₄ • Oxidation contact time and reaction depth • Compatibility with co-contaminants
Filtration Methods • Greensand, Pyrolox, manganese-coated media • Filter loading rates (gpm/ft²) and service cycle rules • Dual media and enhanced filtration options
Alternative Methods • Aeration vs. chemical oxidation • Sequestration with polyphosphates • Ion exchange: when and why not
System Design & Troubleshooting • Chlorine contact times • Footprint and equipment considerations • High-rate filters and rapid oxidation beds • Reactive media life and replacement schedules

Practical Takeaways

✔ Oxidant selection decision chart

✔ Flux and dosing guidelines

✔ Reactive media comparison matrix

✔ Design shortcuts for footprint and cost estimation

✔ Certificate of completion

✔ Post-course Q&A via email

Course FAQ

Q: Will this help with water from both surface and groundwater sources?

 A: Yes. The course addresses Fe/Mn behavior in both types, with attention to alkalinity and organics.
 

Q: Does it include full sizing calculations? 

A: Yes. The course offers practical sizing guidelines and rules of thumb.

Q: Will I understand how to evaluate media replacement schedules?

 A: Absolutely. Media capacity, oxidant usage, and lifecycle are key parts of the course.

What Past Participants Say

— “Great overview for anyone involved in mine water treatment.” – Water Quality Engineer
— “Clear explanation of how oxidation and filtration work together.” – Plant Operator
— “Helpful rules of thumb and practical design tips.” – Water Systems Consultant
— “This helped me justify a switch from sequestration to filtration in our facility.” – Process Engineer