This paper presents research on Fe and Mn removal from groundwater. In treatment systems of aeration followed by rapid filtration (no chemical dosage), manganese removal is possible due to the manganese dioxide catalyst present on the grains of filtration material. The goal of the presented research was to find a correlation between the catalyst layer’s composition as well as its internal porosity and the effectiveness and stability of manganese removal in the filtration process. In order to establish the influence of catalyst characteristics on manganese removal effectiveness, the filtration experiment was conducted using filtration materials with catalytic contact layers of different origin. Oxide coated auto-activated silica sand and Gabon manganese ore were tested. Inactive silica sand was used as reference. The results of filtration experiments were combined with analyses of chemical composition, internal porosity, and crystalline parameters of catalyst contact layers of grains. For the determination catalyst contact layer parameters, the following methods were used: Raman spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope – Energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDAX), nitrogen adsorption. Pilot scale research on the filtration process demonstrated that auto-activated filtration material was characterized by the highest efficiency of manganese removal and stability of effects during the whole research. The effectiveness of Gabon manganese ore dropped from 90% and stabilized on the level of ca. 60% within 15 days of the experiment.

The pharmaceutical active compounds: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, hormones, as well as detergents and pesticides that help improve human life are considered a source of water contamination. The amount of pharmaceutical active compounds in the environment is constantly increasing due to their widespread use by humans. Medicines sales in Poland are very high and rank sixth among European countries; moreover, sales are growing dynamically. Analysis of water samples from Warta River made it possible to study the dependence of NSAIDs, analgesics, and antibiotics concentrations in water due to season, month, and pandemic time. Analytes from the surface water were separated and concentrated by solid phase extraction (SPE) and determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry technique (LC-MS/MS). The concentration of pharmaceuticals in the Warta River was subject to significant (or moderate) fluctuations during the study period. Concentrations depended on weather conditions and disease periods (seasonal, epidemic).

The content of pharmaceuticals in natural waters is steadily increasing. Especially nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often detected in natural waters due to their widespread use. This group of compounds includes commonly used representatives, such as paracetamol and ketoprofen. The quality of natural waters determines the processes applied for the treatment of drinking water. The methods used in order to remove pharmaceuticals from treated water include adsorption and biologically active filtration. Both processes also occur during artificial infiltration (forced flow of intake surface water through the ground to the collecting wells) at surface water intakes. The processes, which occur in the soil, change the water quality characteristics to a great extent. The goal of the study was to evaluate the removal efficiency of paracetamol and ketoprofen in the process of artificial infiltration used as a pre-treatment of surface water. The studies were conducted at a field experimental installation located at the technical artificial infiltration intake. The experimental installation consisted of three metering wells (piezometers) which were located on the way between the bank of the infiltration pond and the collecting well. The collected water samples allowed to evaluate the change of selected NSAIDs concentrations during the passage of water through the ground. The analysis procedure included solid phase extraction (SPE) and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Removal of the studied NSAIDs in the infiltration process occurred with variable effectiveness throughout the year. Paracetamol was removed with annual efficiency equal to 42%, although no significant removal of ketoprofen was observed.

Riverbank filtration (RBF) has emerged as a crucial and functional water treatment method, particularly effective in improving surface water quality. This review is aimed at assessing the suitability of RBF in regions with limited access to clean water, such as Africa, where it has the potential to alleviate water scarcity and enhance water security. This review used various studies, highlighting the principles, applications, and advancements of RBF worldwide. The findings of this review revealed that RBF effectively addresses a broad range of contaminants, including microbial pathogens, organic compounds, heavy metals, and micro-pollutants, through natural processes like adsorption, biodegradation, and filtration. These natural mechanisms significantly reduce waterborne contaminants, making RBF an eco-friendly, sustainable, and cost-effective alternative to conventional water treatment methods. Hydro geological factors, such as aquifer thickness and hydraulic conductivity, play an important role in the efficiency and overall performance of RBF systems. The integration of RBF with advanced treatment technologies not only removes contaminants more effectively but also ensures a sustainable supply of clean water for various applications. The cost-saving aspect of RBF, compared to traditional methods, is particularly significant in low-income regions. The study suggests a wider use of RBF, particularly in Africa, where it can strengthen resilient water supply systems in response to growing water scarcity and climate change concerns.

This article contains the concept of research methodology of the water infiltration process. The described research was conducted at Dębina intake in Poznan, Poland. Based on the temperature variation curves, it was possible to determine the water retention time in the ground during the flow of water from the infiltration pond through piezometers to the collecting well