Tannin

TANNIN

What is Tannin in Water?

Tannin is a naturally occurring organic compound found in various plants, including trees, shrubs, and grasses. It is commonly found in water that has passed through or is close to these plants.

Tannin can enter the water through various sources, including surface water runoff, leaching from plants and organic matter, and infiltration from the soil. It is most commonly found in water that has passed through forests, wooded areas, or wetlands, but it can also be found in water sourced from wells or other underground sources. Tannin is generally not harmful to humans but can negatively affect the water’s appearance, taste, and smell. It can also interfere with the effectiveness of certain types of water treatment processes, such as disinfection and filtration.

It is essential to regularly test water for tannin and reduce or eliminate its presence in the water supply to ensure it is safe to drink or use.

Symptoms of Tannin in Water

The symptoms of tannin in water depend on the concentration of the contaminant and the length of exposure.

At low concentrations, the tannin in water may not have any detectable symptoms. However, at high concentrations, it can have a yellow or brown color that may affect the appearance of the water. It can also have a robust, earthy, or woody smell that may affect the taste and smell of the water.

In addition to the physical symptoms, water tannin may have some health effects if ingested in large amounts. High tannin concentrations may cause digestive problems, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It may also cause respiratory issues, such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. In rare cases, it may cause more severe health problems, such as kidney damage or infections.

Treatment of Tannin in Water

Several methods can remove tannin from water, including ion exchange.

Ion exchange is a process that involves passing the water through a bed of resin beads that are coated with a specific type of ion. When the water passes through the resin bed, the tannin ions are attracted to and exchanged with the ions on the resin beads. The resin beads can then be regenerated, allowing the process to be repeated.

One of the benefits of ion exchange is that it is relatively effective at removing tannin from water, even at low concentrations. However, it is essential to note that ion exchange may produce a “fishy” or marine-like smell in the water due to specific ions in the resin beads.

In addition to ion exchange, it is also a good practice to use post-treatment methods to remove tannin from the water further. This may include techniques such as carbon filtration, which removes contaminants by adsorbing them onto a bed of activated carbon, or ultraviolet (UV) light treatment, which uses UV light to destroy pollutants in the water. Working with a Penguin Water Systems certified water treatment specialist is vital to determine the most appropriate treatment method for removing tannin from water. The specialist can help identify the contaminant's concentration, assess the water's specific characteristics, and recommend the most appropriate treatment method based on these factors.