Application of zeolite-based ceramic membranes and variations of clay-activated carbon in reducing groundwater hardness

The phenomenon of deteriorating water resources is addressed in this study, as such to apply membrane technology in groundwater treatment. This research is initiated by making a tubular ceramic membrane from 10% zeolite as a base, clay varying 30-70%, activated carbon varied from 5-45%, 10% white Portland cement and 5% PVA were used as inorganic and organic adhesives. The membrane is made using the Sintering method at 8000C for 6 hours. This study aims to apply ceramic membranes designed to reduce the hardness of groundwater to the level of hardness that is allowed as group B water (clean water) based on membrane permeability consisting of rejection coefficient (% R) and membrane permeability. The permselectivity measurement is carried out by cross flow filtration for 15 minutes at a pressure variation of 0.5-2 bar. The results showed a membrane flux of 200-500 L / m2.hours, and a membrane permeability of 150-750 L/m2.hour.bar, the total hardness rejection coefficient (%RTotal) is 96.35%, the calcium hardness rejection coefficient (% RCa) obtained 95.99%, and the rejection coefficient of magnesium hardness (% RMg) is obtained 97.12% The permeability of the membrane is more selective against Mg ions (magnesium hardness) than Ca ions (calcium hardness). The best membrane composition is a mixture of 10% zeolite, 50% clay, 25% activated carbon, 10% white Portland cement and 5% PVA.