The ion exchange method of treatment will be more cost effective for treating larger volumes of water such as treating all water used in the home. This method typically removes the target contaminant by exchanging it for other non hazardous chemicals, typically salt which is added to the water. The ion exchange process functions as follows. After purifying a substantial quantity of water, the ion exchange media needs to be regenerated by immersion in the appropriate rejuvenation solution. An ion is the dissolved form of an atom or molecule.
Treatment consists of passing the water through a bed of cation exchange media.
Rejuvenation of the media uses the sodium portion of salt. Uranium Removal Treatment consists of passing the water through a bed of anion exchange media. This media attracts contaminants with a minus two or greater charge such as uranium. Rejuvenation of the media uses the chloride portion of salt. Where one radioactive contaminant is present, a single ion exchange media can be used.