Manganese

Although pure manganese does not occur naturally, the chemical element with the symbol Mn and atomic number 25 is a common substance in various types of rocks in the Earth. The lustrous, silvery-grey metal is a brittle and hard substance. Its importance as an ingredient in the production of steel makes it one of the most produced chemical elements after iron, aluminum, copper, and zinc.

While it is an essential trace element and necessary for good health, high levels of manganese in drinking water may bring bad news to your health. Since manganese is in various food sources like grains and cereals, consuming manganese in drinking water may cause a significant increase in the intake of the element.

The Secondary Drinking Water Regulations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends the limit of 0.05 mg/L manganese in drinking water to avoid the health issues associated with the consumption of the chemical.

Since it is considered as one of the three toxic essential trace elements, consuming high levels of manganese may cause various health issues, including Parkinson’s, lung embolism, and bronchitis.

Water filters alone do not remove manganese in their un-precipitated state. However, you can easily remove the chemical using a water filter in its precipitated phase. A water softener can deal with the un-precipitated ion of manganese since it is an ion exchanger.

Removing manganese from your water can be done with either a water softener, water filter, or pretreatment/oxidation filter. You must know and understand how manganese and filtration work to get the results you want. Finding a reliable filtration unit should also be in your priorities.