Manganese in Water Solutions
We’ve been getting an elevated number of calls about Manganese, so thought we’d post this. There are a few ways to remove Manganese from your water (see section below). For an article we wrote in the March, 2015 issue of Water Technology Magazine about this, see link at Manganese Article..
Particulate Manganese
WHAT IS MANGANESE AND WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?
It is a mineral that, in very small amounts, is essential for proper functioning of the human body. It is a trace mineral that is present in the human body in very small amounts primarily in the bones, liver, kidneys and pancreas. It is important in connective tissues, in the formation of bones and blood-clotting factors. It is also involved in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, calcium absorption and blood sugar regulation. The mineral is also important for brain and nerve function. However, there are potential health risks at higher levels. See below for more on this.
REMOVAL OF MANGANESE FROM WATER
Manganese can be in soluble and particulate form. To remove the soluble form, a water softener using ion exchange technology is very effective. For particulate form, a properly sized sediment filter works well. Water softener technology is also effective in removing the hard water minerals magnesium and calcium as well as iron in the water.
High Efficiency Water Softener
Toxicity Potential
Manganese at very high levels can pose a neuro-toxic risk. Exposure to high concentrations of manganese over the course of years has been associated with toxicity to the nervous system, producing a syndrome that resembles Parkinson’s. This type of effect may be more likely to occur in the elderly.
Higher risks for Children
Children are considered to be particularly susceptible to possible effects of high levels of manganese exposure because they absorb more and excrete less manganese than adults. This adds up to a greater potential for exposure in the very young. Since manganese’s effects on the developing nervous system have not been adequately studied, it is especially prudent for pregnant women and young children to have drinking water that is below the allowable level. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease reports several studies that showed decreased ability in neuro-behavioral performance testing and in several educational parameters in children exposed to high levels in drinking water and diet for at least several years.
