Aluminium in drinking water : An overview

Drinking water can contain aluminum (Al) from natural sources, but use of Al-based coagulants (e.g., alum) in water treatment can increase the Al concentration in treated water. High concentrations may result in precipitation as aluminum hydroxide, and are a suspected causative agent of some neurological diseases. The influence of various water chemical and physical parameters on Al transformation/speciation during treatment is discussed. Chemical precipitation, reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, and cation exchange treatment methods are suitable for Al removal. Regulations regarding Al levels in drinking water in various countries are reviewed.