How Does Aeration Work?
Aeration is the intimate exposure of water and air. It is a way of thoroughly mixing the air and water so that various reactions can occur between the components of the air and the components of the water. Aeration removes or modifies the constituents of water using two methods – scrubbing action and oxidation. Scrubbing action is caused by turbulence which results when the water and air mix together. The scrubbing action physically removes gases from solution in the water, allowing them to escape into the surrounding air. In the picture above, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide are shown being removed by scrubbing action. Scrubbing action will remove tastes and odors from water if the problem is caused by relatively volatile gases and organic compounds. Oxidation is the other process through which aeration purifies water. Oxidation is the addition of oxygen, the removal of hydrogen, or the removal of electrons from an element or compound. When air is mixed with water, some impurities
