Characterization and Modification of Clay for Removal of Drinking Water Hardness

Hardness in drinking water is a major problem in domestic usage. It is important to use drinking water within the tolerance limits of hardness. Clay samples obtained from two different areas in Sri Lanka were analysed, modified, and optimized with a view to suppress the hardness in drinking water. Characterization of clay was carried out using XRD (X-ray diffraction spectroscopy), FTIR (Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy), and SEM (Scanning electron microscope). Variation of the adsorption capacity of clay was analysed at different firing temperatures of the clay samples. XRD analysis revealed that both clay types are consisting of Kaolinite as the main constituent. The hardness adsorption efficiency and the retention of hardness adsorption in prolonged cycles has been observed when the clay is heated at different temperatures. In addition, the water hardness adsorption efficiency was enhanced by the cationic modification using sodium chloride. The results further reveals that the Freundlich isotherm is best fit for Ca2+ adsorption on both Biyagama and Deniyaya clay whereas that for the Mg2+ adsorption is Langmuir isotherm. The present study is useful to develop low-cost clay-based materials to minimize water hardness.