Ion Exchange Resin Selectivity for Simultaneous Removal of Nitrate and Perchlorate from Drinking Water

Abstract

The presence of nitrate and perchlorate in drinking water poses significant environmental and public health concerns due to their adverse effects on human health and the increasing occurrence of these contaminants in groundwater resources. This study investigates the selectivity of ion exchange resins for the simultaneous removal of nitrate and perchlorate from drinking water under varying operational conditions. The research focuses on evaluating adsorption behavior, ion competition effects, and resin performance for efficient contaminant removal in water treatment applications. Experimental analyses were conducted to examine the influence of resin type, influent ion concentration, pH, flow rate, bed depth, contact time, and the presence of competing anions such as sulfate and chloride on removal efficiency and exchange capacity. Results demonstrated that the selected ion exchange resins exhibited strong affinity toward nitrate and perchlorate ions, achieving high removal efficiency and stable operational performance during continuous treatment. The adsorption process was significantly influenced by resin functional groups and ionic selectivity characteristics, which governed preferential ion uptake and exchange kinetics. Optimized operating conditions improved simultaneous contaminant removal while extending resin service life and minimizing regeneration frequency. Kinetic and equilibrium analyses revealed that ion transport and surface exchange mechanisms strongly affect overall treatment efficiency and breakthrough behavior. Comparative assessment with conventional treatment methods indicated that ion exchange technology offers advantages such as high selectivity, compact system design, and reliable water quality improvement. Furthermore, regeneration studies confirmed the potential for resin reuse and cost-effective long-term operation. The findings highlight the applicability of ion exchange resins as an effective and sustainable solution for advanced drinking water treatment and protection against nitrate and perchlorate contamination.